IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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OdcOUcb 

CorpGration 


n  WMT  NUUN ITIMT 
WIMIM.N.V.  IMM 


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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHIVI/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Instituta  for  Historical  IMicroraproductiont  /  Inatitut  Canadian  da  microraproductions  liistoriquaa 


Ttfchnical  and  Bibliographic  Notaa/Notas  tacl^niquaa  at  bibliographiquaa 


Tha  inatituta  haa  attamptad  to  obtain  tha  baat 
originai  copy  availabia  for  filming.  Faaturaa  of  thia 
copy  which  mcy  ba  bibliographically  uniqua, 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  imagaa  in  tha 
raproduction,  or  which  may  aignif  icantly  change 
tha  uauai  mathod  of  filming,  ara  chackad  balow. 


L'Inatitut  n  microfilm*  la  mailiaur  axamplaira 
qu'il  lul  fi<  *t*  poaaibia  da  aa  procurar.  Laa  ditaiia 
da  cat  axamplaira  qui  aont  paut-ttra  unlquaa  du 
point  da  VIM  bibllographiqua,  qui  pauvant  modif  iar 
una  imaga  raproduita.  ou  qui  pauvant  axigar  una 
modification  dana  la  mAthoda  normala  da  fllmaga 
aont  'idlquia  ci-daaaoua. 


1 
t 


0 


D 


Colourad  covara/ 
Couvartura  da  coulaur 


I     I   Covara  damagad/ 


Couvartura  andommagte 


□   Covara  raatorad  and/or  laminatad/ 
Couvartura  raataurte  at/ou  palliculAa 

□   Covar  titia  miaaing/ 
La  titra  da  couvartura  manqua 

□   Colourad  mapa/ 
Cartas  gtographiquaa  an  coulaur 

□   Colourad  ink  (i.a.  othar  than  blua  or  black)/ 
Encra  da  coulaur  (i.a.  autra  qua  biaua  ou  noira) 

r~71   Colourad  platas  and/or  illuatratlona/ 
bZJ   Planchaa  at/ou  illustrationa  an  coulaur 

□    Bound  with  othar  matarial/ 
Rali4  avac  d'autras  documanta 


D 


D 


Tight  binding  may  cauaa  ahadowa  or  distortion 
along  intarior  margin/ 

Laraliura  aarrAa  paut  cauaar  da  I'ombra  ou  da  la 
diatortion  la  long  da  la  margi.  IntArlaura 

Blank  laavaa  addad  during  raatoration  may 
appaar  within  tha  taxt.  Whanavar  poaaibia,  thaaa 
hava  baan  omittad  from  filming/ 
II  aa  paut  qua  cartainaa  pagaa  bianchaa  ajo'jtiaa 
lora  d'una  raatauration  apparaiaaant  dans  la  taxta, 
maia,  loraqua  cala  Atait  poaaibia,  caa  pagaa  n'ont 
paa  At*  fllmiaa. 


D 
D 

n 
0 
0 
0 

D 
D 
D 
D 


Colourad  pagas/ 
Pagaa  dc  coulaur 

Pagas  damagad/ 
Pagaa  andommagias 

Pagas  raatorad  and/or  lam<natad/ 
Pagas  raataurAaa  at/ou  palliicuMaa 

Pagas  discolourad,  atainad  or  foxad/ 
Pagaa  dAcolorAaa,  tachatiaa  ou  piquAas 

Pagaa  dataehad/ 
Pagas  ditachtea 

Showthrough/ 
Iranaparanca 

Quality  of  print  variaa/ 
QualiU  InAgala  da  I'lmpraaalon 

includes  supplamantary  matarial/ 
Comprand  du  material  aupplAmantaira 

Only  adition  availabia/ 
Saula  MKIon  diaponibia 

Pagaa  wholly  or  partially  obacurad  by  arrata 
alipa,  tiaauaa,  ate.,  hava  baan  rafilmad  to 
anaura  tha  baat  poaslMa  Imaga/ 
Laa  pagas  totalamant  ou  partiallamant 
obaourclaa  par  un  faulllat  d'arrata,  una  palura, 
ate,  ont  4t*  fllmAaa  i  nouvaau  da  fa^on  A 
obtanir  la  maillaura  imaga  poaaibia. 


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Additional  commanta:/ 
Commantairaa  aupplAmantairaa: 


VarioMt  psgingi. 


Thia  itam  la  filmad  at  tha  reduction  ratio  chackad  below/ 

Ce  docuntent  eat  fllniA  au  taux  da  riduetton  incNqu*  ci-daasoua. 

10X  14X  lax  2M 


aix 


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12X 


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TiM  copy  fllmMl  hw  has  Ihmh  r«produc«d  thanks 
to  tho  gonorotity  of: 

Library  of  tha  Public 
Archives  of  Canada 


L'axamplaira  film*  f ut  raproduit  grica  A  la 
g4n*rositi  da: 

L4  bibliothAqua  das  Archives 
publiquas  du  Canada 


Tha  images  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  bast  quality 
posslbia  eonaidaring  tha  condition  and  lagibility 
of  tho  original  copy  and  in  kaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  spacif icationa. 


Laa  imagas  auhrantas  ont  4tA  rapiroduitas  avac  la 
plua  grand  soin,  compta  tanu  da  la  condition  at 
da  la  nattat*  da  l'axamplaira  film*,  at  an 
conformM  avac  las  conditions  du  contrat  da 
filmaga. 


Original  copiaa  in  printad  papar  covara  ara  flimad 
baginntaig  with  tha  front  covar  and  anding  on 
tha  last  paga  with  a  printad  or  iliuatratad  impras- 
ston,  or  tha  back  covar  whan  appropriata.  All 
othar  original  copiaa  ara  flimad  baglnning  on  tha 
first  page  with  a  printad  or  iliuatratad  impras- 
sion.  and  anding  on  tha  laat  paga  with  a  printad 
or  iliuatratad  Imprasston. 


Loa  axamplairas  originaux  dont  la  couvartura  an 
papiar  ast  imprimia  aont  filmte  an  comman9ant 
par  la  pramiar  plat  at  an  tarminant  salt  par  la 
darnlAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  amprainta 
»i'impraasion  ou  d'illuttration,  soit  par  la  second 
plat,  salon  le  cas.  Toue  laa  autres  exemplsires 
origiiwux  sent  filmfe  en  commenfsnt  par  la 
premMre  page  i;ui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impreaaion  ou  d'iliustration  at  en  terminant  par 
la  damilva  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  laat  recorded  frame  on  eech  microfiche 
sheH  contain  the  symbol  -^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  tha  symbol  ▼  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  appliea. 


Un  das  symboles  suhrents  apparattra  sur  la 
darnlAre  image  da  cheque  microfiche,  seion  le 
caa:  la  symbole  — »-  signifie  "A  8UIVRE",  le 
symbols  ▼  signifie  "FIN". 


plates,  charta,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratioa.  Thoae  too  large  to  be 
entirely  Inehided  in  one  expoeure  are  filmed 
begimrtng  In  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  aa  many  framee  as 
required.  The  following  diegrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Lea  cartes,  plenches,  tsbieaux.  etc..  peuvent  Atre 
fllm4e  i  dee  taux  de  rMuction  dlffArents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grend  pour  Atre 
reproduit  en  un  seui  clichi,  11  est  film*  i  partir 
de  Tangle  supMeur  gauche,  de  gauctie  i  droite, 
ot  de  haut  en  baa,  en  prenant  la  nombre 
d'imagea  niceaaaire.  Las  diagrammes  suivants 
illuatrent  le  mithode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Y       tr;- 


UNION    PACIFIC    RAILROAD. 


REPORT 


OF 


THOMAS  C.   DURAISrT, 


Vice- ^President  and  General  Jtfanaffer, 


TO   THK 


BOARD  OF  DIRECTORS, 

IN  EELATION  TO  THE  SUEVEYS  MADE  UP  TO  THE 
CLOSE  OF  THE  YEAR 

I  864-. 


I 


■^ 


1^tm  tforH  : 

WM.  C.  BRYANT  <b  CO.,  PRINTERS,  41  NASSAU  ST,  COR.  LIBERTY. 

18G6. 


hi 


i 


UNION    PACIFIC    RAILROAD. 


/      REPORT  OF  THOMAS   C.  DURANT, 


1. 


VICE    PRESIDENT, 


TO    THE    BOARD    OF    DIRECTORS, 

1)1  Relation  to  the  Survctjs  made  up  to  the  close  of  the  year 

1864. 


Ofkiok  (jf  tiik  TIniont  P»oiftc  Railroad  Company, 
No.  13  William  street, 

New  York,  April  10, 18G5. 

Gentlkmen  : 

In  accordance  with  tlie  resolutions  of  your  Board,  authorising 
mc  to  conthiuc  my  supervision  and  direction  of  the  operations 
of  the  engineer  department  in  mailing  the  necessary  surveys  for 
the  linal  location  of  tlic  road,  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the 
following 

REPORT: 

During  the  year  1SG3,  the  surveys  necessary  for  the  location 
of  the  first  one  hundred  miles  of  the  road  West  of  Omaha  City 
were  made ;  and  the  work  of  constructing  and  equipping  this 
portion  of  the  road  was  placed  under  contract  early  in  the  season 
ofl8G4. 

Two  engineering  parties  were  also  employed  in  1863,  to  ex- 
amine what  were  considered  to  be  the  most  difiicult  portions  of 
the  route  West  of  the  Great  Platte  Valley.  The  results  of  these 
fiurvjys   are  embraced  in  the    published  "  Report  of  the  or- 


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ganization  and  proceedings  of  the  Union  Pacific  Hailroad 
Company." 

In  the  spring  of  1864,  three  field  parties  were  organized 
for  the  purpose  of  continuing  tlie  explorations  .and  experimental 
surveys  in  the  mountains  west  of  tlie  liead  of  Great  Platte 
Valley ;  and  one  party  to  complete  the  location  of  the  second 
division  of  one  hundred  miles  west  of  the  Initial  jwint,  fixed 
by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  on  the  west  hank  of  the 
Missouri  Eiver,  in  Township  13  E,  liange  15  W.,  Section  10, 
near  Omaha  City,  Nebraska. 

The  parties  designated  for  experimental  surveys  were  placed 
in  charge  respectively  of  Mr.  Jas.  A.  Evans,  Mr.  F.  M.  Case,  and 
Mr.  Samuel  B.  Reed,  Division  Engineers;  and  the  locating  party 
under  the  charge  of  Mr.  Ogden  Edwf  ,rds.  Division  Engineer. 

Mr.  Silas  Seymour  was  appointed  Consulting  Engineer  of  the 
road,  to  date  from  January  Ist,  1SG4. 

The  reoorts  of  Messrs.  Evans,  Case  and  Reed,  Division  Enjri- 
neers  in  charge  of  experimental  snrve3's  (sec  Appendix  A,  B  and 
C),  will  be  found  to  contain  much  interesting  and  valuable  in- 
formation respecting  the  difficult  and  mountainous  country 
through  which  the  road  is  to  pass,  between  the  Platte  Valley 
and  Great  Salt  Lake  City.  It  was  found  impracticable  to  ex- 
tend the  surveys  west  of  Salt  Lake  City  during  the  past  sejison. 

Mr.  Evans  started  his  surveys  at  Camp  Walbach,  in  the  val- 
ley of  Lodge  Pole  Creek,  a  tributary  of  the  South  Platte,  and 
ran  a  line  up  that  valley  to  its  source,  at  the  summit  known  as 
'•  Cheyenne  Pass^\'  and  thence  down  the  westerly  slope  of  this 
range  of  the  Black  Hills  to  the  Laramie  Plains ;  crossing  the 
tributaries  of  the  Laramie  and  North  Platte  Rivers,  and  passing 
to  the  northward  of  the  main  range  of  the  Medicine  Bow 
Mountains^  to  the  summit  or  divide  of  the  continent  known  ns 
^^  Brldger's  Pans'^ ;  and  thence  along  the  valley  of  Muddy 
Creek  to  the  head  of  Bitter  Creek,  the  valley  of  which  he  fol- 
lowed to  its  intersection  with  Green  liiver.  Thus  completing 
a  continuous  line  of  surveys  and  levels  from  the  head  of  the 
Great  Platte  Valley  to  the  crossing  of  Green  River,  the  valley 
of  which,  and  that  of  the  Rio  Colorado,  which  is  its  continua- 
tion, forms  a  vei'y  marked  feature  in  the  topography  of  the  con- 


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tinont,  by  dividing  its  drainage  almost  longtitiidinally  from  a 
point  considerably  to  the  north  and  west  of  the  South  Pass,  to 
the  head  of  the  Gulf  of  California,  so  that  onr  line  must  cross  its 
valley  upon  any  route  that  can  be  projected. 

By  reference  to  Mr.  Evans'  \\  port,  it  will  be  seen  that  large 
quantities  and  varieties  of  timber  abound  in  the  Black  Hills  and 
Medicine  Bow  Mountains;  and  that  indications  of  large  deposits 
of  coal  are  found  at  several  points  along  the  route. 

The  distance  from  Camp  Walbach  to  Green  River  is  26i)jYir 
miles. 

Assuming  the  elevation  of  Camp  Walbach  to  bo  7,000  feet 
above  tide,  Mr.  Evans  reports  the  summit  of  the  Black  Hills, 
or  "  Cheye:rne  Pass^''  to  be  8,(556.  The  summit  of  the  Medicine 
Bow  Mountains,  or  "  Rattle  Snahe  Pass,''^  to  be  7,560.  The 
divide  of  the  continent,  or  ^^Bridger's  Pass'*''  to  bo  7,534,  and 
Green  River,  at  the  termination  of  his  line,  6,092  feet. 

The  grades  upon  this  portion  of  the  route  may  be  brought 
within  the  maximum  fixed  by  Congress,  by  tunnelling  'he 
Cheyenne  Pass,  and  elongating  the  line  about  six  miles  for  the 
purpose  of  developing  the  grades. 

Mr.  Case,  in  his  report,  gives  some  important  information 
respecting  the  Passes  through  the  Black  Hill  ranges,  south  ot  the 
Cheyenne  Pass,  some  of  which  is  obtained  from  actual  surveys ; 
and  some  from  other  sources  which  may  be  considered  more  or 
less  reliable. 

He  estimates  the  Pass  at  the  head  of  Boulder  Creek  to  be 
1 1,900  feet  above  tide.  The  Pass  between  the  head  of  the  North 
Fork  of  the  South  Platte  and  one  of  the  heads  of  Snake  River,  an 
affluent  of  ihalBlue,  to  be  11,500  feet.  The  Pass  between  the 
head  of  Tarryall  Creek  and  Indiana  Gulch,  also  a  tributary  of 
the  Blue,  to  be  11,432  feet.  Tlie  Pass  between  the  head  of  the 
South  Platte  and  the  Blue  River,  known  as  ^^  Hoosiers'  Pass,^^ 
to  be  11,500  feet.  A  survey  was  made  through  this  Pass,  from 
a  point  in  the  valley  of  the  South  Platte,  about  forty-eight  miles 
easterly,  to  a  point  in  the  Valley  of  the  Blue,  about  eighteen 
miles  westerly  of  the  summit,  from  which  it  appears  that  a  tun- 
nel two  and  a  half  miles  in  length  will  be  required,  in  order  to 
reach  the  summit  with  our  maximum  grade ;  and  also  that  the 


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lino  is  very  indirect,  requiring  a  didtanco  of  145  miles  to  malco 
70  miles,  of  westing,  between  Denver  iind  the  mouth  of  tlio  Blue. 

There  uro  an  abundance  of  good  timber  and  building  stone 
along  this  route,  but  it  is  estimated  that  snow  falls  to  a  greater 
depth  in  the  vicinity  of  Iloosier  Pass  than  in  any  otlier  part  of 
Colorado.  In  tlic  winter  of  lSGl-3  the  total  fall  was  thirty- 
acven  feet ;  and  in  one  storm  it  fell  to  a  depth  of  cloven  feet,  at 
Georgia  Gulch,  situated  upon  Swan  Iviver,  one  of  the  tributaries 
of  the  Blue. 

In  relation  Lo  "  Berthoud  Pass,"  situated  nearlv  west  of  Den- 
vcr  City,  at  the  divide  between  the  head  of  Clear  Creek  and  Mo- 
BC!5  Creek,  a  branch  of  the  Blue,  Mr.  Case  gives  the  results  of  liis 
survey  made  in  1SG2,  as  reported  to  the  Hon.  John  Evans,  Gov- 
ernor of  Colorado  Territory,  from  which  and  his  proliles,  it  ap- 
pears that  a  tunnel  of  three  and  {^^  miles  will  be  required  at 
the  summit;  and  that  the  entrance  to  the  tunnel  would  be  4,820 
feet  above,  and  a  distance  of  57.8  miles  from  Denver  City. 

Upon  the  map  accompanying  Mr.  Case's  report,  the  following 
elevations  above  tide  are  given  :  J 

Denver  City 5,302  feet 

Tunnel 10,050     " 

Berthoud  Pass 11,410     " 

After  giving  the  foregoing  results,  Mr.  Case  proceeds  to  give 
a  more  minute  report  of  his  surveys  up  the  Valley  of  the  Cache 
La  Poudre  Creek,  a  northern  tribntary  of  the  South  Platte,  com- 
mencing at  La  Porte  and  connecting  with  Mr.  Evans'  line,  at 
the  crossing  of  the  Laramie  River,  from  which  it  appears  that 
the  elevation  of  the  summit  of  the  Black  Hill  range,  which  he 
names  "  Antelope  Pass,^''  situated  at  the  divide  between  the 
headwaters  of  Dale  and  Willow  Creeks,  is  593  I'eet  lower  than 
the  Cheyenne  Pass,  as  surveyed  by  Mr.  Evans,  making  Antelope 
P.oss  8,003  feet  above  tide,  or  3,347  feet  lower  than  the  Berthoud 
Pass.  This  elevation  can  be  reached  from  both  directions  with 
our  maximum  grade,  without  a  resort  to  tunneling.  Mr.  Case 
suggests  several  improvements  Avhlch  can  be  made  in  his  line, 
and  among  others  a  line  up  the  Valley  of  Crow  CrecJc,  which  to 
my  mind  promises  many  advantages  over  the  routes  heretofore 
examined. 


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The  timber  along  this  route  is  rather  sparse,  but  large  quanti- 
ties of  superior  granite  are  found  to  the  south,  and  at  no  great 
distance  from  the  line.  The  indications  of  coal  are  not  very 
promising. 

The  distance  Irom  La  Porte  to  Antelope  Pass  is  41  -j?„-  miles, 
and  to  Station  1,300  of  Mr.  Evans'  line,  at  his  crossing  of  La- 
ramie Eiver,  ()9  -/'g-  miles. 

The  altitude  of  La  Porte  is  estimated  at  5,0S4  feet  above  tide, 
making  an  ascent  to  Antelope  Pass  of  2,979  feet  to  be  overcome 
in  rt  distance  of  44  j?y  miles. 

From  the  report  of  Mr,  Samuel  B.  Reed,  it  will  be  seen  that 
his  surveys  were  commenced  in  the  northwestern  part  of  Great 
iSalt  Lake  City^  near  Jordan  Ilivcr ;  and  that  he  ran  a  continu- 
ous line  from  this  point,  near  the  westerly  base  of  the  Wasatch 
range  of  the  Kocky  Mountains,  in  a  northerly  direction  to  the 
mouth  of  Weber  Canon  ;  and  thence  easterly  up  the  Valley  of 
Weber  Tliver  to  the  mouth  of  Chalk  Creek  ;  thence  up  the  Valley 
of  Chalk  Creek,  and  across  the  headwaters  of  Bear  Eiver,  to  the 
head  of  the  Muddy  Biver  and  Black's  Fork  of  Green  Eiver ;  and 
thence  down  the  Valley  of  Blank's  Fork,  to  and  across  Green 
Biver,  to  an  intersection  with  Mr.  Evans'  line  in  the  Valley  of 
Bitter  Creek,  at  Station  No.  10,4(  9  j",/g-  of  Mr.  Reed's  line,  and 
Station  No.  13,508  of  Mr.  Evans'  line.  A  line  was  also  run 
from  the  Weber  Valley,  at  the  mouth  of  Echo  Caiion,  up  the 
Valley  of  Echo  Creek,  crossing  the  divide  between  Weber  and 
Bear  Bivers  at  the  head  of  Echo ;  thence  following  the  tributa- 
ries of  Bear  Biver,  to  an  intersection  with  the  line  above  de- 
scribed, in  the  Valley  of  Sulphur  Creek. 

Another  line,  known  as  the  "  Thnpanogos  Valley  line,^''  was 
also  run,  comjnencing  at  a  point  in  the  Weber  Valley  near  the 
mouth  of  Chalk  Creek  ;  thence  up  the  Weber  Valley  to  and 
across  "  Kamaa  Prairie,^''  to  the  Valley  of  the  Timpanogos ; 
then(!e  down  the  Timpanogos  Valley  to  the  Valley  of  Utah 
Lake  ;  and  thence  to  s 


point 


'^alley 


ToiT 


from  the  Weber  Valley  line,  near  the  mouth  of  Chalk  Creek. 


■^ 


wm 


The  following  altitudes  are  taken  from  Mr,  Heed's  tables 

Great  Salt  Lake  City 4.2S5.  8 

Summit  at  head  of  Chalk  Creek 7.834. 

Summit  at  head  of  Echo  Creek 6.879.  4 

Summit  between  Bear  and  Muddy  Rivers.  7.567. 
Summit  between  Green   River  and   North 

Branch  of  Bitter  Creek 7.175.       ^ 

Junction  of  Mr.  Evans'  line 6.315. 

End  of  line  in  Tuilk  Valley 4.243. 

( >'i  Kamas  Prairie 6.667. 

Mouth  of  Chalk  Creek 5.645. 


I 


The  distance  from  the  initial  point  in  Great  Salt  Lake  City, 
via  the  Echo  Canon  line,  to  the  intersection  of  Mr.  Evans'  line, 
is  223  jW  miles. 

As  between  the  "VYeber  Valley  and  Timpanogos  Valley  lines, 
the  comparison  seems  to  be  decidedly  in  favor  of  the  Weber 
Valley  line.  The  line  via  Echo  C'jfion  seems  also  more  favor- 
able than  the  one  via  Chalk  Creek,  being  better  in  alignment 
and  grades,  and  having  955  feet  less  elevation  to  overcome, 
although  the  tunneling  is  1,300  feet  more  than  on  the  Chalk 
Creek  line,  and  it  does  not  lie  so  contiguous  to  the  coal  and 
timber  regions  along  the  northeni  slope  of  the  Uinta  Mountains, 
as  the  more  southerly  line  of  Chalk  Creek. 


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The  country  adjacent  to  the  routes  above  described  v.as 
thoroughly  examined  by  the  engineers  in  charge  of  the  surveys, 
60  that  it  may  be  regarded  safe  to  conclude  that,  with  some 
slight  and  unimpoi  tout  amendments,  the  lines,  as  traced,  show 
the  substantial  difticiiltics  that  must  be  overcome  in  the  con- 
struction of  the  road  upon  a!iy  of  the  routes  described  ;  some  of 
these  difficulties  appear  quite  formidable  ;  but  they  may  all  be 
surmounted  by  the  use  of  skill,  energy  and  perseverance. 

I  do  not  regard  the  result  of  the  surveys  already  made  as 
affording  sufficient  data  to  enable  the  Company  to  make  a  defi- 
nite location  of  the  route  of  the  road.  They  indicate,  however, 
beyond  a  doubt,  that  a  practicable  route  can  be  obtained  which 
will  meet  the  requirements  of  the  kw  of  Congress,  as  to  grades 


3 


I 


and  curves  ;  and  also  the  wants  of  the  Government  and  people, 
as  a  means  of  ti'ansport  across  the  Continent.  Other  routes  are 
to  be  examined  during  the  present  seaso/i,  during  which  it  is 
also  hoped  that  the  surveys  may  be  extended  beyond  Salt  Lake, 
to  the  western  boundary  of  Nevada. 

In  order  to  meet  the  requirements  of  Congress,  as  well  as  the 
just  expectations  of  the  Government  and  people,  with  reference 
to  the  early  completion  of  the  road,  it  may  be  necessary,  at  no 
distant  day,  to  determine  upon  one  or  more  proper  locations 
for  the  erection  of  furnaces,  rolling  mills,  and  machine  shops, 
for  the  manufticture  of  rails,  cars,  and  other  machinery,  required 
for  tiie  construction  and  equipment  of  distant  and  isolated 
sections  of  the  road,  in  advance  of  a  continuous  track  from  the 
Eastern  terminus  upon  the  Missouri  River.  With  a  view  to 
this  contingenc}'^,  the  information  contained  in  the  reports  of 
the  Division  Engineers,  with  reference  to  timber,  and  deposits 
of  iron  ore,  and  coal,  contiguous  to  the  routes  examined,  must 
be  regarded  as  of  great  importance  to  the  Company. 

The  surveys  were  continued  Westerly  from  the  termination 
of  the  tirst  one  hundred  miles,  during  the  summer  and  fall  of 
1804,  to  the  One  Hundredth  Meridian  of  longitude,  a  distance 
from  Omaha  of  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  beyond  which 
l)aint  it  was  not  considered  safe  to  go,  on  account  of  the 
armed  hostility  of  the  Indians.  From  the  termination  of  this 
survey,  no  line  has  yet  been  run  to  the  head  of  the  Great  Platte 
Valley  (or  eastern  base  of  the  Tlocky  Mountains),  a  distance  of 
about  three  hundred  and  twenty-live  miles. 

It  has  been  ascertained,  however,  from  observation,  that  there 
are  no  natural  obstacles  in  the  way  of  constructing  a  road  from 
almost  any  point  on  the  One  Hundredth  Meridian  that  may  be 
established  by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  to  the  best 
point  of  crossing  the  most  easterly  range  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains. 

With  a  view  to  the  rapid  progress  of  the  work,  the  first  ques- 
tion to  be  determined  is  the  proper  point  for  the  lino  to  leave 
the  western  end  of  the  (Jreat  Platte  Valley.  The  location  of 
the  line  across  the  One  Hundredth  Meridian,  as  well  as  the 
entire  n)utc  west  of  the  first  one  hundred  miles  of  the  road,  can- 


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not  be  properly  deter m in etl  until  this  question  is  decided :  and 
it  is  respectfully  submitted  that  all  the  interests  Ij'ing  East  of, 
and  couver<«;infr  at  the  One  Hundredth  Meridian  of  lonffitude, 
are  e(pially  interested  in  a  prompt  aiul  judicious  decision  of 
that  question. 

It  is  believed  that  the  information  that  will  be  obtained 
during  the  present  year,  will,  in  addition  to  that  which  has 
already  been  obtained,  be  sufficient  to  enable  the  Company  to 
make  an  intelligent  decision  of  this  important  question ;  ivA  at 
the  same  time  enable  the  Tres*  lent  of  the  United  States  to  de- 
cide '■  tVuin  actual  surveys,"  as  to  the  proper  point  of  crossing 
the  One  Hundredth  Meridian. 

This  will  also  (;nable  the  Company  to  commence  the  heavy 
work  through  the  Black  Hills,  or  most  easterly  range  of  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  during  the  coming  winter  ;  and  also  to  push 
forward  the  construction  of  the  road  without  interruption,  be- 
tween the  Missouri  River  and  the  head  of  the  Great  Platte 
Valley. 

I  take  ])lcasure  in  bearing  testimony  to  the  skill  and  energy 
displayed  by  the  Division  Engineers  in  the  performance  of  the 
duties  assigned  to  them,  in  the  face  of  serious  difficulties  and 
embarrassments,  growing  out  of  the  almost  constant  depreda- 
tions committed  by  hostile  Indians,  either  along,  or  in  the  im- 
mediate vicinity  of  all  the  routes  examined. 

The  thanks  of  the  Company  are  also  due  to  the  officers  of  the 
army  in  command  of  the  military  posts  along  the  route,  for  their 
promptness  in  rendering  such  protection  as  was  in  their  power 
to  the  parties  in  the  field.  Also  to  Ex-Governor  Brigham  Young 
of  Utah,  for  his  kind  attentions  to  the  wants  of  the  field  parties 
on  that  distant  portion  of  the  line. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

TUGS.  C.  DURANT, 

■  ;  r  Vice-President. 

To  the  Pri:sii)i:nt  and  D1UECTOR8 

Of  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad  Company, 

No.  13  William  Street,  New  York. 


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APPENDIX  A. 


Report  0/ James  A.  Evans,  Division  Engineer^  of  Explo- 
ration from  Camp  Walbach  to  Green  River^  made  in 

1864. 


Montrose,  Penna,,  January  3,  1865. 
Sir, — I  have  the  pleasure  of  submitting  the  following  report 
of  explorations  and  surveys,  extending  from  the  eastern  slope  of 
the  Black  Hills,  to  Green  River  : 

On  reporting  for  instructions,  at  Omaha,  Nebraska,  early  in 
April  last,  it  was  found,  in  consequence  of  the  non-acceptance 
of  one  of  the  appointments  made  by  the  company,  that  the 
work  originally  designed  for  two  distinct  parties  would  have 
to  be  done  by  one.  By  giving  that  single  corps  additional 
strength,  the  supposition  was  entertained  that  it  could  cover  the 
ground.  Subsequent  events  fully  justified  the  arrangement ; 
hence  the  portion  of  line  first  assigned  to  the  undersigned  for 
exp  tninatiog,  formed  but  part  of  the  country  covered  by  this 
communication. 

Preparations  for  our  journey  up  the  Platte  River  having  been 
completed,  I  left  Omaha  on  the  16th  day  of  April,  looking  to 
Old  Camp  "Walbach,  at  the  eastern  slope  of  the  Black  Hills,  and 
on  Lodge  Pole  Creek,  as  our  point  of  commencement. 

In  consequence  of  Indian  difficulties  on  the  border,  I  made 
application  to  Brigadier-General  Mitchell  for  authority  to  pro- 
cure escort,  which  was  very  cheerfully  granted  by  him,  and  very 
promptly  complied  with  by  Colonel  Collins,  then  in  command  at 
Fort  Laramie. 


\i  \ 


il 


9 


MR.   EVAN8^  REI'OET: 


Our  line  of  travel  wag  on  tlio  north  side  of  the  Platte  River  as 
far  as  Fort  Kearney,  where  we  crossed,  thence  on  the  south  side 
to  Jttlesburg,  on  the  south  fork,  distant  from  Omaha  ttOO  miles. 
At  this  point,  in  consequence  of  the  liostility  shown  by  the 
Cheyenne  tribe  of  Indians,  I  telegraphed  to  the  cojnmander  at 
Fort  Laramie  (Col.  "W.  O.  Collins)  for  escort.  Witli  promptitude 
highly  commendable,  he  immediately  sent  a  detachment,  com- 
posed of  a  lieutenant  and  twenty  men  of  the  Eleventh  Ohio 
Volunteer  Cavalry. 

At  Julesburg  we  crossed  the  south  Fork  of  the  Platte  Iliver,  a 
short  distance  below  the  mouth  of  Lodge  Pole  Creek,  up  the 
valley  of  which  we  continued  our  jouniey.  Some  forty  miles 
up  this  tributary  we  met  our  escort,  they  having  crossed  the 
country  from  Fort  Laramie  for  the  purpose  of  intercepting,  or 
rather  meeting  the  party ;  they  remained  with  us  until  the  com- 
pletion of  our  field  work  in  September. 

We  reached  the  deserted  ruins  of  Camp  Walbach,  situated  in 
latitude  41*  21'  N.,  longitude  lOS*-"  15'  W.,  distant  by  travelled 
road  from  Omaha,  575  miles,  on  the  16th  May.  The  instruc- 
tions given  me  contemplated  my  looting  the  country  along  the 
line  of  travel. 

As  far  as  Fort  Kearney  the  coiuitry  is  favorable  for  the  con- 
struction of  a  railroad  ;  and  the  same  is  true  of  the  entire  route 
until  we  approach  to  within  fifty  miles  of  the  Black  Hills.  For 
that  entire  distance,  the  uniformity  of  surface,  the  superior 
character  of  the  material  and  the  small  amount  of  mechanical 
work  required,  as  bridge  superstructure,  masonry,  &c.,  combine 
to  make  this  portion  of  the  line  everything  that  can  be  desired. 
When  we  consider  that  such  is  the  topography  of  the  country 
extending  over  nearly  ten  degrees  of  longitude,  we  can  safely 
come  to  the  conclusion  that  a  region  more  favorable  for  railroad 
purposes  does  not  exist  in  this  or  any  other  country. 

As  we  approach  to  within  fifty  miles  of  the  mountains,  the 
valley  of  Lodge  Pole  Creek  gradually  changes  ;  the  distinctive 
smoothness  of  surface  ceases,  giving  place  to  a  more  broken  to- 
pography— by  no  means  making  necessary  heavy  or  expensive 
grading,  yet  in  marked  contrast  to  the  extreme  uniformity  of 
the  lower  part  of  its  course,  and  of  the  Valley  of  the  Platte. 

The  only  difficulty  in  the  way  of  the  engineer  on  the  portion 


■  \A 


<■■■ 


lipp 


•4 


UNION  PACIFIC  RAIL  ROAD 


sufivey  OF  lae* 
BLACK      HI  LLS 

VU'IN'ITY  OK  OM>  TAMP  WAI.ltA<'II . 


^" 


Siiili'  »<»«•  l'<"Pt  lol  inch 

ni.iL.j..r»lliiii|TKi'l)Wlv»"'''''''"^*'"'""'' "''''' 


./,i.r.  .  I   A'»w//.v  ihf  Kili/  '■ 


2" 


Ouril 

fer  as  Fc 

to  Jttlesl 

At  this  ] 

Chejeam 

Jj'ort  Lftn 

liighly  CO: 

posed  of 

Yolunteei 

At  Jule 

short  disti 

valley  of  t 

up  this  tril 

country  fr 

rather  inee 

pletion  of  t 

We  reac. 

latitude  41 

road  from  ( 

tions  given 

line  of  travt 

As  iar  as 

struction  of 

until  we  ap 

that  entire 

character  of 

work  require 

to  make  this 

When  we  co 

extending  ov 

come  to  the  ( 

purposes  doe 

As  we  api 

valley  of  Loc 

smooth  neag  o 

pography—b; 

grading,  yet  i 

the  lower  par 

The  only  di 


ME.   EVANS    REPORT. 


3 


of  line  above  referred  to  is  the  scarcity  of  timber.  Confining 
my  observations  to  the  Platte  valley,  it  may  be  stated  that  as 
i*ar  west  as  a  point  80  miles  above  Fort  Kearney,  all  the  timber 
that  seems  to  be  available  occurs  at  Loup  Fork  of  the  Platte, 
and  on  the  Platte  itself;  principally  cottonwood,  with  some 
cedar  interspersed. 

At  and  near  Cottonwood  Springs,  distant  from  Omaha  285 
miles,  from  Fort  Kearney  90,  the  bluiFs  on  the  south  side  of  the 
valley  tend  towards  the  river,  approaching  to  within  half  a  mile 
of  the  stream,  and  continuing  parallel  with  it  for  some  distance 
above  and  below  Here,  in  a  district  very  broken,  and  some- 
what difficult  of  access,  a  considerable  growth  of  cedar  is  found, 
of  excellent  quality  for  cross-ties  and  kindred  purposes.  From 
this  point  to  the  mountains  no  timber  is  found,  neither  on  the 
streams  nor  contiguous  to  them.  The  manner  of  supplying  this 
portio"  of  the  line  will  be  hereafter  indicated. 


BLACK   KILLS. 

I 

On  reaching  the  base  of  this  chain  of  mountains,  after  a  recon- 
noissance  of  the  country  in  the  vicinity  of  old  Camp  Walbach,  I 
fixed  the  starting  point  of  my  survey  directly  south  of  the  ruins, 
at  a  point  distant  1,200  feet,  and  on  the  opposite  bank  of  Lodge 
Polo  Creek.  The  line  follows  that  tributary  of  the  South  Platte 
to  its  source  at  the  summit  of  the  range,  overcoming,  in  a  dis- 
tance of  lif^Q^ff  miles,  an  elevation  of  1,612  feet,  giving  an  aver- 
age grade  of  ll^-^^^'^j^  per  mile.  It  was  found  necessary  to  un- 
dulate this  grade,  not,  however,  to  an  extent  seriously  to  interfere 
with  any  traffic  this  part  of  the  road  may  be  called  upon  to  do. 

The  accompanying  map  and  profile  will  show  the  direction 
and  arrangement  of  grades. 

A  sufficient  supply  of  timber  (yellow  pine  and  spruce  pine) 
can  be  obtained  in  this  mountain  chain,  and  contiguous  to  the 
line,  to  supply  all  the  wants  of  construction,  besides  furnishing 
a  large  surplus  for  the  line  to  the  eastward,  and  for  fuel. 

The  character  of  the  material  in  excavation  is  indicated  on 
the  profile;  specimens  have  been  furnished.  On  the  eastern 
slope  it  will  prove  to  be  granite,  of  different  degrees  of  hardness 
and  coarseness  ;  on  the  western  slope,  sandstone  exclusively.  A 
tunnel  1,500  feet  long  is^ found  necessary  at  the  summit. 


I 


MR.   EVANs'  EEPORT. 


i 


The  gradient  used  from  the  Bummit  of  this  range  to  the  La- 
ramie Plains  is  2.5  per  100  feet,  132  feet  per  mile.  A  lighter 
grade  cannot  be  used  over  this  ground  without  a  large  sacrifice 
of  profile  and  direction.  A  reference  to  the  accompanying  profile 
will  show  this  grade  to  be  continuous  for  8  4^¥  miles.  Should 
this,  or  any  other  line  crossing  the  Black  Hills  be  the  one  finally 
adopted,  additional  or  extra  power  will  be  required  to  make  the 
ascent ;  knowing  this  to  be  he  case,  and  knowing  too,  that  any 
attempt  to  use  a  lighter  gradient  over  tiie  ground  would  result 
in  giving  a  very  expensive  line,  I  came  to  the  conclusion  that  a 
sufficient  saving  in  grades  could  not  be  made  to  compensate  for 
the  additional  material  it  would  be  necessary  to  move. 

Efibrtii  were  subsequently  made  by  me  and  the  party  under 
my  charge,  to  obtain  a  more  favorable  crossing  of  this  range  of 
mountains,  but  vithout  success,  the  details  of  which  will  be 
submitted  in  their  proper  place. 

By  reference  to  the  profile,  it  will  be  seen  thai  on  the  western 
slope  of  the  Black  Hills  depression  amounting  to  1,080  feet  is 
overcome  by  means  of  a  gradient  of  2.5  per  100  feet.  To  reduce 
this  to  our  maximum  grade  would  require  additional  distance  as 
follows  : 


43,200  feet  at  2.5  per  station  =  1,080  feet. 
49,091    "   at  2.2  per      " 


1,080    " 


5,891    "  additional  distance  required. 


11 


\ 


By  using  a  2.2  grade,  116  feet  per  mile  from  the  mouth  of 
the  tunnel,  say  station  780  to  station  881,  there  inserting  a 
switch,  and  running  back  half  the  distance,  cr  2,915^  feet,  then 
switching  again,  wo  Avould  be  placed  09  feet  lower  at  station 
881  than  we  are  now,  and  could  reach  the  foot  of  the  slope  from 
that  point  with  a  grade  of  116  feet  per  mile,  striking  the  table 
at  the  foot,  as  we  do  now,  which  I  consider  important. 

My  reason  for  fixing  upon  station  881  as  a  point  from  which 
to  switch  back,  is,  that  the  requisite  distance  can  be  obtained 
there  on  a  smoother  slope,  less  cut  up  by  ravines  than  else- 
where. 


MB.    EVANS'   REPORT, 


LARAMIE   PLAINS. 


Soon  after  leaving  the  base  of  the  Black  Ilills,  our  line  crosses 
the  main  fork  of  the  Laramie  River. 

From  thence  to  the  Rattlesnake  Pass,  at  a  point  where  the 
Medicine  Bow  range  of  mountains  dro^^  off  into  low  ranires  of 
hills  of  comparatively  slight  elevation,  our  line  crosses  the  drain- 
age of  that  mountain  chain,  and  of  tlie  plains  at  rearly  right 
angles.  Some  bridging  will  be  necessary  on  this  part  of  the 
route.  For  amount  see  item  of  *'  Bridging."  The  principal 
streams  crossed  are — 


I 


u 


Main  Fork  of  Laramie  River. 
Right  hand  Fork    " 
Cooper's  Creek. 
Rock  or  Frappe's  Creek. 
Medicine  Bow  River. 


•r  !i 


The  amount  of  grading  necessary  for  the  distance  is  light,  the 
alignment  excellent,  the  material  good. 

The  Medicine  Bow  Mountains,  distant  from  our  crossing  of 
the  Laramie  River  16  miles,  are  in  good  part  covered  with  tim- 
ber suitable  for  all  kinds  of  construction.  As  our  line  proceeds 
westerly  we  gradually  approach  them,  at  Cooper's  Creek  we  are 
distant  but  2^  miles ;  from  thence  we  run  nearly  parallel  with 
the  range  until  we  flank  or  turn  it  by  the  Rattlesnake  Pass. 

The  large  amount  of  timber  found  here  renders  easy  the  solu- 
tion of  a  problem  that  would  otherwise  be  extremely  difficult  to 
solve,  viz.,  the  supply  of  timber  for  that  part  of  the  line  west  of 
the  North  Platte  River,  a  country  desert  in  character,  destitute 
of  vegetation,  and  impossible  to  avoid  by  any  line  following  the 
vallsy  of  the  Platte.  This  consideration  alone  should,  and 
doubtless  will,  have  great  weight  in  the  comparison  of  routes — 
when  wo  consider,  further,  that  the  timber  of  this  region  is  indis- 
pensable for  the  purpose  of  developing  and  making  available  the 
coal  of  Bitter  Creek,  too  much  importance  cannot  bo  attached 
to  its  fortunate  proximity  to  the  line. 

Distance  from  the  main  fork  of  Laramie  to  the  head  of  Rattle- 
snake Pass,  69^^  milea.     The  only  difficult  point  for  that  distance 


^H. 


/ 


6 


MR.    EVANS     REPORT. 


is  the  dividinff  ridffc  between  Eock  Creek  and  the  Medicine 
Bow  River. 

Should  it  be  considered  desirable  to  lessen  the  gradients  and 
obtain  a  smoother  profile,  by  a  sacrifice  of  distance  at  that  point, 
a  detour  of  four  or  five  miles  to  the  northward  will  accomplish 
it,  as  indicated  by  tiic  dotted  line  on  the  map. 

The  fixed  points  on  this  section  of  line  arc,  in  my  opinion,  Sta- 
tion 1,520,  near  the  crossing  of  the  main  I/aramie — the  crossing 
of  the  Medicine  Bow  River — the  head  of  Rattlesnake  Pass. 

Should  explorations  already  or  hereafter  to  be  made,  demon- 
strate the  practicability  of  aline  ina  the  South  Fork  of  the  Platte 
and  the  Cache-la-Poudre  Creek,  the  first  point  mentioned  above 
would  have  to  be  made  for  the  purpose  of  avoiding  the  broken 
ground  at  the  base  of  the  Medicine  Bow  range  of  mountains. 

Our  descent  from  the  head  of  Rattlesnake  Pass  is  made  by  a 
gradient  of  IIC  feet  per  mile  for  five  miles  nearlj'. 

This  Rattlesnake  Pass  is  a  marked  depression  in  the  spm*8 
forming  the  termination  of  the  Medicine  Bow  range,  which  here 
loses  the  distinctive  character  of  a  mountain  chain,  dropping  off 
into  ridges  of  slight  elevation,  stretching  far  to  the  northward, 
and  forming  the  eastern  boundary  of  the 


VALLEY    OF   THE   NORTH    I'LATTE. 

The  line  here  offers  nothing  remarkable,  aside  from  the  cross- 
ing of  the  North  Platte  River,  which  proves  to  be  extremely 
favo~ab!e,  being  rectangular,  and  affording  reliable  foundations 
for  pieis  and  abutments.  The  amount  of  bridging  required  is 
000  feet.  It  will  be  seen  that  our  line  makes  considerable  south- 
ing to  reach  this  point.  A  short  distance  below  our  crossing 
the  river  enters  a  cafion  extremely  crooked,  bounded  by  perpen- 
dicular escarpments  of  sandstone  rock,  which  feature  it  continues 
to  have  so  far  as  the  mouth  of  Pass  Creek,  some  fifteen  miles 
below. 

Any  line  via  Bridger's  Pass  will,  from  necessity,  make  this 
crossing  of  the  river  a  fixed  point,  there  is  no  means  of  avoiding 
it ;  hence  I  look  upon  the  favorable  character  of  the  crossing  as 
fortunate. 

After  passing  the  Rattlesnake  Pass,  the  country  changes  sensi- 


MB.    EVANS     KEPOBT.  7 

bly — everything  indicating  tlie  approach  to  a  barren  region. 
The  abundant  pasturage  of  the  Laramie  Plains  being  here  re- 
placed by  a  stunted  growth  of  sage  brush.  Grass  is  only  found 
on  the  water  courses,  the  more  elevated  points  being  almost  en- 
tirelv  destitute  of  vegetation.  This  feature  of  extreme  barren- 
ncss  increases  in  intensity  imtil  the  western  terminus  of  the 
division  is  reached  at  Green  Kivei*. 

The  topography  of  the  valley  of  the  North  Platte  River  imme- 
diately bordering  on  the  stream,  and  in  the  vi<;inity  of  our  line, 
has  been  already  referred  to.  The  perpendicular  walls  of  sand- 
stone commence  a  very  short  distance  below  our  crossing  on  the 
eastern  or  right  bank.  On  tlie  western  side,  the  slopes  are  gentle 
for  nearly  four  miles,  from  thence  the  vertical  rock  borders 
closely  both  sides  of  the  river,  continuing,  as  stated  before,  to 
the  mouth  of  Pass  Creek. 

After  crossing  this  river,  our  line  continues  down  it  to  nearly 
the  commencement  of  the  canon.  We  then  leave  the  valley, 
and  by  easy  grades  reach  Sage  Creek,  striking  the  latter  stream 
about  two  miles  above  its  mouth. 

No  information  can  be  given  in  a  report  of  this  part  of  the 
line  other  than  what  may  be  conveyed  by  the  accompanying 
map  and  profile.  The  grades  are  light,  the  amount  of  excava- 
tion necessary  small ;  building  stone  foa*  what  light  structures 
may  be  needed,  .ibundant. 

Thirty-one  and  one  half  miles  from  the  crossing  of  the  North 
Platte  River,  brings  our  line  to  the  summit  of 


1 


BUIDGEIl  S  PASS. 

Although  this  is  a  point  of  some  geographical  importance,  .as 
forming  the  water-shed  of  two  oceans,  nothing  formidable  is  en- 
countered either  in  approaching  or  leaving  it.  The  maximum 
grade  on  the  eastern  side  is  2.05  per  100  feet  On  the  western, 
2.18  per  100,  and  only  for  short  distances. 

The  approaches  to  this  and  the  Rattlesnake  Pass  are  the 
points  where  the  greatest  obstructions  from  snow  may  be  looked 
for.  The  location  of  the  line  in  the  vicinity  of  botii  has  been 
made  with  reference  to  such  contingency.  In  every  instance 
where  the  nature  of  the  grotmd  admitted  without  sacrificLng 


8 


MR.   EVANS     REPORT. 


I- 

4 


profile,  the  line  has  been  thrown  to  the  right,  by  that  means 
placing  valleys  and  depressions  between  it  and  the  prevailing 
northwesterly  winds. 

Soon  after  crossing  the  divide  or  head  of  Bridger's  Pass,  we 
reach  a  branch  of  Muddy  Creek,  down  which  our  line  runs  to  its 
junction  with  the  main  stream,  which  we  follow  a  distance  of 
fifteen  miles  to  a  point  where  it  bends  strongly  to  the  southward 
to  form  its  junction  with  Little  Snake  River,  of  which  it  is  a 
tributary. 

The  valley  of  Muddy  Creek,  as  far  as  follow:.d  by  our  line,  is 
extremely  narrow,  having  but  little  flat  or  bottom  land  on  its 
margin — much  of  the  distance  being  what  is  termed  in  the 
phraseology  of  the  mountains,  a  canon.  Our  line,  in  consequence, 
comes  in  frequent  contact  with  the  stream,  and  several  changes 
of  channel  will  be  necessary. 

By  a  judicious  arrangement  of  grades,  the  work  is  rendered 
light  in  character.  Where  changes  of  channel  are  necessary,  the 
embankment  will  require  protection  on  the  exposed  side,  by  a 
lining  of  loose  rock  (rip-rap),  the  material  for  which  purpose  is 
convenient,  abundant,  and  easily  quarried.  This  stream  (Muddy 
Creek),  it  may  be  stated,  is  comparatively  small  and  insignifi- 
cant,— in  June  last  it  was  nearly  dry.  During  the  melting  of 
the  snow  its  section  is  much  increased. 

From  what  observation  I  was  able  to  make,  I  estimate  its 
flood  section  to  be  180  square  feet. 

After  leaving  the  elbow  of  Muddy  Creek,  the  lino  passes  over 
a  country  of  long,  flat  slopes,  crossing  Bridger's  Fork  of  Muddy. 
By  means  of  a  tributary  and  easy  grades,  we  reach  the  broad 
table-land  at  the  head  of 


UrrTEB  CREEK. 

The  distance  from  the  broad  dividing  ridge  at  the  head  of  this 
stream  to  its  junction  "with  Green  River,  is  70  miles  by  our  line, 
which  keeps  the  valley  for  the  entire  distance  with  one  excep- 
tion, where  we  cut  off  a  bend  the  stream  makes  to  the  north- 
ward, saving  a  distance  of  four  miles  at  a  very  slight  sacrifice  of 
grade  and  profile. 

The  extreme  scarcity  of  herbage  for  our  stock  made  it  neces- 


I 


1<**« 


_„.«v^|^  tMaui   .*> 


AI/trVA        V/ft 


S.         11 


m^ 


UNION    PACIFIC  RAIL  R( 

SURVEY    OF  I86» 

.lAAIKM  A  KVANS    DIV.    INO- 

UPPER    CANON    OF   MUDD> 

^  SCALE    800  FEET   TO  AN    HCH 

TlifHjiii.  «Kn.ii.|.  Kmimiisl.ill"  "Mllllnuiilm-KV 


<w«.w&      *w«\^VAk}    \j  1  y^t     H4W     I14UV/U 


f 


IFIC  RAIL  ROAD 


/EY    OF  I86» 

KVANS    DIV.    tNO" 

OF   MUDDY    CREEl 


DO  FEET   TO  AM    I4CH 

Kiiti  Mlij  Itl.illu  ..44',IIIn""lvivN'V 


f 


ill 


8 


i  M 


m 


light 

enil» 

liniog 

conve 

Creek 

can!,- 

the  an 

Fro 
flood  f 

Aft 
a  coat 
By  mi 
table-] 


~ww«.u««f«rc.ty  or  irenntge  lor  onr  stock  made  it  rieces- 


MB.   EVANS'  EEPOET. 


9 


Sary  to  push  over  this  part  of  the  line  with  great  rapidity.  Ex- 
traordinary exertions  were  made  by  the  party  to  reach  Green 
River  at  the  earliest  possible  time  compatible  with  the  interests 
of  the  survey.  When  I  state  that  runs  of  12  miles  per  day 
were  made  over  this  portion  of  the  line,  engineers  will  under- 
stand the  anxiety  manifested  by  those  engaged  in  the  work. 
The  favorable  nature  of  the  surface  (affording  no  choice  of  ground 
but  that  could  be  readily  detected  by  the  eye)  euabled  us  to 
reach  our  terminus  at  Green  River,  in  nine  working  days  from 
the  time  we  first  touched  the  drainage  of  Bitter  Creek.  The 
profile  shows  very  light  work  until  we  approach  to  within  six 
miles  of  Green  River.  It  seems  to  be  a  cliaracteristic  feature  of 
this  region  that  streams  form  their  intersection  by  means  of  nar- 
row gorges.  Bitter  Creek  is  no  exception  ;  the  last  six  miles  of 
its  course  is  through  a  crooked  canon,  the  sides  of  which  are 
composed  of  friable  sandstone  and  shale. 

Having  understood  that  Mr.  Reed,  in  charge  of  the  party  west 
of  Green  River,  made  his  connection  near  Rock  Springs,  some 
18  miles  above  the  mouth  of  Bitter  Creek,  it  does  not  seem  ne- 
cessary to  be  minute  in  description  of  that  part  of  the  line. 


•    (i 


TIMBER — FUEL — COAL. 

From  what  has  been  already  said  in  the  first  part  of  this  report 
in  reference  to  the  supply  of  timber  for  the  line  east  of  the  Black 
Hills,  viz, :  the  valley  of  Lodge-Pole  Creek  and  the  South  Platte, 
it  is  evident  that  the  surplus  in  the  Black  Hills  and  along  the 
Medicine  Bow  Mountains,  will  have  to  be  m^de  available  to  sup- 
ply the  almost  entire  want  of  so  important  an  item  of  construc- 
tion on  that  part  of  the  route.  From  Julesburg,  on  the  South 
Platte,  to  Camp  Walbach,  at  the  foot  of  the  mountains,  is  175 
miles.  Tliis  distance  will  require  394,000  cross-ties  alone.  As 
the  building  of  the  road  will  probably  be  from  east  to  west,  this 
material  will  have  to  bo  furnished  in  advance  of  construction, 
by  teams. 

The  superior  direction,  and  consequent  saving  of  distance 
from  the  Missouri  River  to  Salt  Lake  City,  via  Lodge-Pole  Creek 
Cheyenne  Pass,  Fort  Halleok,  and  Bitter  Creek,  over  the  much 


Mf 


<,". 


■■■ 


;! 


10 


MK.   EVANS    KEPOET. 


longer  road,  via  the  North  Fork  of  the  Phitte,  and  the  South 
Pass,  is  fast  diverting  the  travel  to  the  former. 

During  the  post  season  a  large  proportion  of  the  emigration 
has  travelled  it  in  preferpnce  to  the  latter  and  older  route.  It  is 
believed  the  Lodge  Polo  road  will  continue  to  grow  in  favor. 
By  establishing  proper  and  convenient  ph'ces  of  deposit  for  ties 
along  the  Lodge  Pole  Creek,  much,  and  perhaps  all  this  hauling 
could  be  done  by  empty  return  trains  from  Salt  Lake.  The 
mode  of  supplying  the  desert  country  on  this  division  west  of 
Rattlesnake  Pass  with  fuel  (wood  ,  ties,  timber  for  bridges,  &c., 
is  obvious, 

COAL. 


V 


ill 


The  first  indication  of  this  mineral  in  place  on  the  line  occurs 
on  Rock  or  Frappe's  Creek,  in  Latitude  41°  43 '. 

On  the  other  side  of  the  divide,  near  the  Medicine  Bow  River, 
at  station  3640  of  our  line,  a  seam  of  coal  can  be  seen  two  feet 
thick,  dipping  south  southeast,  at  an  angle  of  20  degrees.  The 
coal  is  inferior  in  quality,  being  extremely  dry  and  brittll^ 

East  of  Fort  Ilalleck,  coal  is  again  found,  probably  of  the 
same  formation.  At  both  of  the  places  mentioned,  some  mining 
has  been  done,  the  coal  from  each  having  been  used  f'^r  black- 
smith purposes  with  success.  As  to  the  extent  of  the  deposit 
east  of  the  North  Platte  River,  the  undersigned  has  no  means  of 
basing  an  intelligent  opinion.  It  may  be  stated,  however,  that 
the  places  mentioned  are  not  the  only  ones  where  coal  is  found 
€ast  and  north  of  the  Medicine  Bow  Mountains.  The  next  coal 
found  is  near  Sulphur  Springs  stage  station  of  the  Overland 
Stage  Co.,  on  Muddy  Creek,  14  miles  west  of  the  summit  of 
Bridger's  Pass.  It  is  seen  at  the  mouth  of  the  .canon,  at  a  con- 
siderable elevation  above  the  stream,  and  gives  the  following 
ficction. 

1  Coal. 


CO 


wmassmamami 


'mmxsi^^^sa^iJiiersmmdCimii 


Shale  3. 
Coal. 
Shale  3. 
Coai. 


0  South 

iigration 
e.  It  is 
n  favor, 
t  for  ties 
i  hauling 
:e.  The 
1  west  of 
ges,  &c., 


10  occurs 

)w  River, 

two  feet 

es.     The 

I 

ly  of  the 
e  mining 
'^r  black- 
e  deposit 
means  of 
ever,  that 
I  is  found 
next  coal 
Overland 
summit  of 
,  at  a  con- 
following 


iltt.    SVAKS*  BBPOIIT. 


11 


This  opening  has  been  worked  systematically,  and  is  canied  in 
a  distance  of  40  feet,  with  but  little  appreciation  in  the  quality 
of  the  coal,  it  being  like  that  found  to  the  eastward,  luittle  and 
imperfectly  mineralized.  The  station  of  the  Overland  Stage 
Company,  at  Sulphur  Springs,  is  the  headquarters  of  one  of  the 
divisions  of  their  line ;  their  blacksmith  and  repair  shops  are 
here.  The  object  in  making  the  coal  opening,  of  which  a  sec- 
tion is  given  on  the  other  side,  was  to  save  the  hauling  of  coal 
from  Bitter  Creek,  whence  they  procure  their  supply. 

At  the  shop  I  found  some  good  specimens  from  that  locality. 
I  afterwards  visited  the  opening  from  which  they  were  obtained, 
and  a  specimen  is  now  in  your  possession  ;  an  analysis  of  it  will 
probably  be  made.  At  Black  Buttes,  30  miles  from  the  summit 
of  Bitter  Creek,  and  on  our  line,  where  this  coal  occurs,  several 
seams  have  been  opened,  one  5  feet,  and  one  3^  feet  of  clean  coal. 
Frequent  propping  is  required,  in  consequence  of  the  broken, 
fragmentary  nature  of  the  roof.  This  is  tlie  hardest  and  best 
quality  of  coal  found  on  the  line.  It  may  be  stated  that  these 
are  merely  surface  openings— other  seams  may  occur  at  a  greater 
depth ;  if  so,  they  will  be  found  of  a  superior  quality,  having  % 
better  roof.  Some  expenditure  in  sinking  shafts  will  probably 
be  necessary  to  determine  fully  the  extent  and  value  of  this  coal 
basin.  As  far  as  my  examination  and  observation  went,  /rom 
this  point  (Black  Buttes)  to  near  Green  River,  the  coal  crops 
out  qf  the  bluffs  frequently,  and  seems  abundant. 


! 


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JtfE.    EVANS     EKPORT. 


18 


It  may  be  proper  to  state  here,  that  no  temporary  structures 
are  contemplated  in  tlie  foref^oing  estimate.  In  all  cases,  even 
when  there  is  a  ^^ant  of  material,  and  where  no  located  line 
would  balance  the  excavation  and  embankment,  the  estimate  • 
has  been  made  under  the  supposition  that  material  would  be 
borrowed  for  the  purpose  ot  making  the  fills.  This  has  been 
done  for  the  purpose  of  simplifying  the  estimate,  and  affording 
a  basis  to  work  from,  in  arriving  at  the  cost  of  construction. 
The  Black  Hills  are  peculiar,  in  that  the  principal  ravines  on 
cither  slope  are  deep  and  narrow,  with  no  ridges  between,  mak- 
ing it  diflicult  obtaining  the  material  necessary  to  fill  them  from 
the  adjacent  cuttings.  On  this  part  of  the  line  the  material  is 
all  rock.  It  is  a  question  to  what  extent  truss  bridges  or  short 
viaducts  may  be  used  with  advantage  and  economy.  The  cross- 
ing of  Lodge  Pole  Creek,  on  the  eastern  slope,  a  type  of  all  of 
them,  would  compare  in  quantities,  as  follows: 


■*-l 


1st.  Estimate  for  full  embankment,  cubic  yds 00,920 

Arch  culvert  masonry                        "         810 

2d.   Estimate  for  truss  bridge : 

Embankment,                                     "       12,300 

Masonry  in  piers  and  abutments,      "       1,850 

Truss  bridging,  lin.  feet 3i)0 


BRinOINO. 

Lin.  Feef. 

Main  Fork,  Laramie  River 350 

Left  hand  Fork,  Laramie  Kiver 2r  0 

Cooper  Creek 50 

Kock,  or  Frappe's  Creek 250 

Bear  Creek 50 

Atedicine  Bow  River 150 

Pass  Creek 80 

Xorth  Platte  River 000 

Bitter  Creek,  17  crossings 850 

Green  River 350 

Total 2,980 


ii 


ii; 


MR.   EVANS    BEPOKT. 


TABLE     OF     GRADES.— ASCENDING. 


DiSTANCB. 

Grade 
per  100  feet. 

Qrade 

Feet. 

Miles. 

per  mile. 

7,000 

1.F25 

2.8 

147.84 

48,700 

8.276 

2.2 

116.16 

44,400 

8.409 

2.0 

■      105.6 

7,600 

1.439 

1.9 

100.32 

16,600 

3.143 

1.8 

95.04 

22,500 

4.240 

1.6 

84.48 

42,500 

8.049 

1.5 

79.20 

37,700 

7.140 

1.2 

63.36 

30,700 

5.814 

1.0 

62.80 

83000 

15.719 

0.8 

42.24 

94,400 

17.878 

0.5 

26.40 

34,400 

6.615 

0.3 

15.84 

82,400 

0.136 

0.2 

10.5ft 

46,900 

8.880 

0.1 

5.28 

Total,... 

102,963... 

..Miles. 

TABLE     OF      GRADES.— DESCENDING. 


M 


n 


DiSTANCI. 

Grade 
per  100  feet. 

Grade        , 

Feet. 

Mllei. 

per  mile. 

66,000 

10.606 

2.5 

132.09 

48,100 

9.110 

2.2 

116.16 

34,600 

6.563 

2.0 

106.6 

8,600 

1.628 

1.9 

100.32 

4,800 

0.909 

1.8 

96.04 

14,200 

2.689 

1.6 

84.48 

J9.600 

7.5 

1.6 

79.20 

4*^,300 

8.768 

1.2 

63.36 

:    ,900 

4.335 

1.0 

62.8 

ti-i.^OO 

11.837 

0.8 

42.24 

flf.JOO 

17.84 

0.6 

26.4 

68,900 

11.155 

0.3 

15.84 

59,900 

11.344 

0.2 

10.56 

161,800 

30.648 

0.1 

6.28 

Total... 

134.917... 

..Mile?. 

Distance  ascending 102.963 

descending 134917 

level 81.81 


Total  distance 269.69 


MB.    EVANS     REPOBT. 


15 


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16 


MR.    EVANS     EEPOKT. 


T  A  B  L  S. 


Latitude. 

Longitude. 

Altitude, 

Feet. 

Camp  Wrtlbneli 

41°   18' 
41°   16' 
41°   18'   17" 
41°  45' 
41°  42'  20" 
41°  41'  09" 
41°  31'  5H" 
41°  32'  51" 

105°   15' 
105°  29'  48" 
105°  34'   18" 
106°   30'   12" 
106°  69'  45" 
107°  30'  48" 
108°    16'  48" 
109°  80'  20" 

7,0ii0 

Summit  of  Klack  Ililla 

8,656 

Crossing  of  Main  Fork  of  Laramie. . . 

RaiticMiake   I'ass 

Crossing  of  North  Platle  Kiver 

13ridg«?r'!(  I'ass 

7,175 
7.560 
(i,695 
7,-Si4 

Head  of  Bitter  Creek 

7  (190 

Green  Kiver. 

6,092 

1 

KEMAliKS. 


the   Black  Hills  with 


H 


Soon  after  crossinj^ 
impressed  with  the  necessity  of  making  a  furtlier  examination 
of  that  range  of  mountains,  both  to  the  northward  and  likewise 
to  the  southward  of  the  ground  covered  by  my  instructions ;  I 
should  have  done  so  then  but  for  the  following  consideration : 
As  stated  before,  my  work  was  largely  increased  and  extended 
in  consequence  of  the  non-accei)tance  of  one  of  the  a])point- 
ments.  I  looked  upon  the  necessity  of  having  a  line  through  as 
of  the  first  importance.  In  accordance  with  that  sui)position,  1 
resolved  to  push  my  line  to  Green  lilver,  for  the  purpose  of 
making  my  connection  there,  then,  if  time  permitted,  to  return 
to  the  Black  Hills  for  further  examination. 

The  country  west  of  the  North  Platte  liivcr  proving  much 
more  favorable  than  was  anticipated,  enabled  the  l>arty  to  reach 
the  terminus  on  the  2()tli  Jnly.  On  the  i'ollowing  day  (27th) 
we  started  on  our  return  journey. 

I  expected,  if  time  permitted,  on  my  return,  to  examine  the 
country  south  of  our  main  line  over  the  Black  Hills  (the  range 
being  considerably  less  in  elevation  there),  if  i)0S8ible  avoiding 
the  drainage  of  Crow  Creek,  and  finally  reaching  Lodge  Polo 
Creek  by  means  of  a  tributary  of  that  stream  (south  of  the  main 
branch  which  we  followed  on  the  eastern  slope),  and  designated  on 
the  mai)s  as  Mudily  Creek.  After  that  was  done,  it  was  my  pur- 
pose to  exatniuo  the  Caflon  of  the  Laramie  Kiver,  supposing  that  if 


the 


I 


MR.    KVANB    BEPORT. 


17 


the  latter  aiforded  but  ordinary  obstacles  to  constrnetion,  the 
question  of  grades  there  would  be  an  easy  one,  running,  as  this 
river  does,  completcjy  through  the  range. 

On  reaching  Fort  Ilalleck,  on  my  way  bade  to  this  work,  I 
found  instructions  requiring  me,  if  possible,  and  if  the  state  of 
mj'  supplies  warranted  me  in  so  doing,  to  return  by  way  of  tho 
South  Pass. 

To  make  this  part  of  my  report  intelligible,  it  becomes  neces- 
sary to  state  here,  that  Fort  Ilalleck  was  fixed  upon  as  our  baeo 
of  supplies,  and  for  obvious  reasons,  among  which  may  be  stated 
its  central  position  with  reference  to  the  division,  and  the  supe- 
rior facilities  it  aiforded  for  storage. 

In  pushing  our  line  west,  we  left  Fort  Ilalleck  with  rations 
suiKcicnt  to  take  us  to  Green  River  and  back  to  the  fort.  When 
we  readied  there  on  ^iir  return  our  stock  of  provisions  required 
replenishing. 

Had  my  instructions,  therefore,  found  me  at  Green  River  in- 
stead of  Fort  Ilalleck,  it  would  not  have  been  possible  to  have 
complied  with  them. 

I  regard  it  as  unfortunate  that  the  possibility  of  our  being  able 
to  return  by  w.^y  of  the  South  Pass  was  not  foreseen  and  pro- 
vided lor,  and  a  different  arrangement  of  supplies  made  to  meet 
the  emergency,  as  it  would  have  enabled  me  to  have  based  upon 
actual  observaiion,  what  is  now  but  conjecture  and  the  observa- 
tion of  others, 

When  we  left  Omaha,  the  impression  prevailed  that  the  extent 
of  the  division  would  prove  to  bo  all  one  corps  could  accomplish 
during  the  season. 

As  stated  before,  the  favorable  nature  of  the  ground,  tiie  for- 
tunate proximity  of  the  travelled  road  to  our  line,  enabling  us  to 
move  our  transportation  readily  and  with  despatch,  combined 
with  the  strength  and  elliciency  of  the  party,  brought  us  to  our 
terminus  at  least  six  weeks  earlier  than  1  anticipated. 

The  geograjihical  position  of  Fort  Ilalleck  with  refcrcnco  to 
tho  South  Pajis  will  show  the  dilllculty  in  reaching  the  latter. 

Had  our  supplies  been  in  shape  it  is  very  queetionahle  if  tho 
integrity  of  the  party  could  have  been  preserved.  Tho  tmleal 
our  stock  had  passed  through  west  of  the  North  Platte  River, 
made  our  teamsters  extremely  reluctant  to  traverse  a  similar 


! ;    i  ■ 
;/i    i: 


)? 


18 


Mn.    EVANS     REPORT. 


'M'i 


region  still  more  extensive.  Tlmt  reluctance  (had  the  order 
been  given  to  retrace  our  journey)  would  have  resulted  in  in- 
pubordination,  and  other  and  different  arrangements  for  trans- 
portation would  have  become  necessary.  This  I  should  not 
have  hesitated  about,  however,  had  it  been  the  only  difficulty  in 
the  way. 

Here  Mr.  Finney,  first  assistant,  left  the  party  and  returned 
to  the  States. 

I  concluded,  however,  that  I  would  carry  out  the  programme 
I  had  already  marked  out,  with  reference  to  the  head  of  Crow 
Creek  and  the  Laramie  Canon  ;  then,  if  rapid  transportation 
nnd  escort  were  provided  me  throngli  the  military  authorities  at 
Fort  Laramie,  I  would  go  to  the  South  Pass,  taking  with  me  a 
few  men,  for  the  purpose  of  examining  the  salient  pohits  on  that 
line,  the  party  returning  to  the  Missouri  meanwhile. 

The  result  of  our  labors  in  the  Black  Hills,  south  of  our  main 
line,  may  be  summed  up  thus :  The  starting  point  (miming 
back)  of  the  brancli  line  is  a  little  west  of  our  crossing  of  the 
main  fork  of  Laramie  River.  Distance  from  the  point  of  diver- 
gence to  the  foot  of  the  range  by  main  line  5}  miles,  by  branch 
line  9  miles,  caused  by  the  latter  striking  the  range  more  diag- 
onally. TJie  broken  nature  of  the  surface  after  touching  the 
Black  Hills,  had  the  effect  of  keeping  us  constantly  at  the  foot 
of  the  slope.  When  it  became  necessary  to  turn  to  the  left  for 
the  purpose  of  preserving  our  direction  and  to  prevent  our  being 
thrown  into  the  tributaries  of  Crow  Creek,  the  elevation  was 
found  to  be  greater  than  we  could  surmount. 

Explorations  have  been  made  since  on  the  Cache-la-Poudre 
Creek,  in  the  country  to  which  this  line  would  have  carried  us, 
had  we  continued  it,  and  is  probably  the  line  with  which  Mr. 
Case  connected  his  survey. 

It  must  bo  understood  here,  that  our  labors  were  done  with  a 
view  of  still  making  the  valley  of  Lodge  Pole  Creek  our  eastern 
contimiation. 

Our  journey  to  the  Laramie  Cafion  was  by  way  of  Camp 
Walbach  and  the  Valley  of  the  Chugwater  to  near  its  mouth, 
yfhere  we  crossed  a  low  divide  between  it  and  the  Laramie 
River ;  thenco  ap  the  latter  to  near  the  mouth  of  Sibyllc's  Fork, 


o 
>» 

•-5 


MB.   EVAN3    RKI'OBT. 


19 


where  we  established  a  camp,  intending  to  devote  some  time  to 
an  exploration  of  the  hills  in  that  vicinity,  the  Canon  of  the  La- 
ramie and  the  Valley  of  Sibylla's  Fork.  On  producing  a  line  25 
miles  up  the  latter,  we  found  it  did  not  penetrate  the  range  with 
unything  like  a  distinct  valley,  besides  carrying  us  far  to  tho 
southward.  My  explorations  and  observation  now  enable  mo  to 
form  an  idea  of  the  several  crossings  of  the  Black  Hills.  Tho 
sections  will  compare  as  follows : 


o 

>» 
•5 


n 


'3 

c 

o 

a 

ft 

a 


3 

to 

o 


B 

5 
H 


B  '^-^ 


?."».- 


JS 

ra 

•s 

a 

o 

•• 

1 

a 

M 

ia 

>t 

a 

CO 

s 

JS 

3 

05 

"^          y 

f^^ir^im^rfjr. 

s  .Jp 

'      c 

Section  A. — From  Muddy  Creek  to  Laramie  Plains. 
B. — Section  on  main  lino. 
C. — Sybille's  Fork  to  Laramie  Plains. 

It  will  be  seen  that  both  the  sections  A  and  C  are  lower  than 
the  crossing  of  our  main  line.  What  constitutes  their  inferiority 
is  the  great  rapidity  of  tho  descent  where  it  does  occur.  Tho 
Laramie  Canon  remains  to  be  noticed. 

1  approached  this  part  of  my  labor  in  the  mountains  with  no 
little  interest  and  solicitude.  As  our  main  line  progressed  acros3 
the  North  Platte  River,  over  Bridgcr's  Pass,  and  over  the  country 
between  Muddy  Creek  and  Bitter  Creek,  a  sufficient  knort'ledgo 
of  the  country  north  was  obtained  to  show  the  feasibility  of  a 
line,  striking  tho  Medicine  Bow  River  at  its  elbow,  the  North 
Platte  below  the  mouth  of  Pass  Creek,  then  north  of  Bridgcr's 
Pa^s,  and  by  means  of  some  one  of  the  valleys  leading  into  Bitter 
Creek  from  the  northeast,  forming  a  junction  with  our  lino  m 
the  valley  of  that  stream. 

The  Laramie  Cafion  seemed  to  be  tho  key  to  this  route. 

It  will  bo  understood,  then,  that  the  importance  of  this  gorgo 
was  not  underestimated  by  me — no  information  could  be  ob- 
tained as  to  its  character,  even  from  mountain  men,  supposed  to 


PL. 


1? 


\'" 


20 


ME.   EVANS    KEPORT. 


J  '> 

I'' 


i\     L 


bo  familiar  with  all  the  nooks  and  gorges  of  a  country  in  which 
they  had  spent  the  whole  of  their  manhood,  and  no  small  por- 
t  on  of  their  declining  years.  While  camped  within  a  mile  of 
its  terrible  chasm,  projecting  points  obscured  it  so  entirely  from 
view,  that  had  it  not  been  for  the  river  rushing  by  our  tents  and 
ihe  previous  knowledge  of  its  existence,  it  might  have  been 
passed  unnoticed. 

Taking  with  me  Messrs.  Dutton,  Sladdcn,  O'^eil,  and  Booze, 
of  the  party,  I  started  from  camp  74  on  the  morning  of  August 
30,  with  the  intention  of  tracing  the  river  througli  the  gorge. 
It  is  unnecessary  to  detail  the  dillicultics  we  encountered  in  pro- 
ceeding up  it  on  merely  a  prospecting  tour. 

The  river  has  evidently  cut  its  way  through  the  range,  com- 
posed principally  of  granite  and  gneiss;  its  channel  is  extremely 
crooked,  hemmed  in  closely  by  (for  the  greater  })art  of  the  dis- 
tance) vertical  walls  of  rock,  ranging  in  height  from  500  to  1,500 
feet — what  room  there  is  is  occupied  solely  and  exclusively  by 
the  bed  of  the  torrent.  Where  it  cuts  through  the  cone  of  the 
range  it  forms  a  succession  of  rapids  for  miles,  dciccnding,  it  is 
estimated,  from  'J  to  5  feet  in  100  ;  these  rapids  would  form  a 
great  obstac^.e,  were  the  sides  of  the  gorge  otherwise  favorable  and 
the  curvature  tuch  as  could  be  overcome.  From  the  necessity  of 
keeping  clo^c  to  the  water,  (as  where  the  walls  are  not  vertical,  the 
t.ilus,  at  the  loot  is  insignilicant,  and  by  no  means  continuous,)  it 
will  be  seen  that  the  grade  would  have  to  undulate  with  the  des- 
cent of  the  stream,  and  no  advantage  could  bo  taken  of  distance 
to  overcome  exlraonllnirij  elevation  at  anyone  point.  In  over- 
coming a  distance  of  12  miles  in  a  direct  line,  this  river  must 
run  through  22  miles  at  least  of  canon.  For  a  portion  of  the 
distance  it  niore  than  doubles  itself.  Two  cases  were  noticed, 
particular!  y  where  the  stream  is  only  prevented  from  forming  a 
perfect  ellipse,  by  a  vertical  wall  of  gneiss  1,000  feet  high  and 
700  leet  through  from  water  to  water.  The  cases  above  were 
noticed  as  extraordinary,  but  the  whole  distance  is  a  succession 
of  short  bends,  many  of  them  forming  greater  obstacles  still  to 
the  construction  of  a  line.  A  succession  of  tunnels  and  bridiios 
would  be  recpiired  for  almost  the  entire  distance.  Taking  this 
view  of  it,  1  did  not  think  it  nuccssajy  to  run  any  line  up  it.  It 
ecemed  now  tbat  wo  had,  cither  by  actual   trial  or  observation 


} 


J.A  £V4NS.  DIV.BNG.U.P.»R.OCL 


UNION    PACIFIC    RAIL  ROAD 
SURVEY  0FI864. 

CANON   OF  LARAMIE    RIVER. 

DEPTH  1500  FEET. 


LITH.Or UAJOKtKNAFP.'tltSIIOAPVVAr  V  V 


ti 


t  I. 


'■  ■  <i 


T 


MR.    EVANS'   REPORT.  21 

examined  everything  within  accessible  distance  that  promised 
an  opening. 

On  the  1st  September,  I  started  for  the  eastward  with  the 
party,  expecting,  when  I  reached  Fort  Laramie  to  learn  by  tele- 
graph, something  to  govern  my  future  operations. 

At  Fort  Laramie  I  telegraphed  for  instructions.  The  reply 
was,  in  effect  a  permission  to  send  the  party  back,  and  a  request 
to  go  the  South  Pass  myself  for  the  purpose  of  observation. 

In  accordance  with,  and  from  a  strong  desire  to  comply  with 
the  request,  as  well  as  a  wish  on  my  own  part  to  be  in  possession 
of  facts  necessary  to  institute  a  comparison  ')ctwcen  routes  that 
seemed  likely  to  come  into  competition,  1  started  the  party  from 
Fort  Laramie  for  the  Missouri  Kivcr,  on  the  5th  Scpteinber,  re- 
maining myself,  with  the  intention  of  going  up  the  Korth 
Platte  for  the  purpose  mentioned. 

JVIy  only  reliance  for  transportation,  rations,  &c.,  being  on  the 
\  ability  and  courtesy  of  the  commanders  of  the  diiferent  military 

1        posts,  no  arrangements  having   been  made  through   the  com- 
mander of  the  district. 

Tlie  Indian  ditRcultics  having  their  origin  in  the  sjjring,  had 
increased  intensely,  until  dming  the  summer,  the  whole  fron- 
tier (including  the  valley  of  the  North  and  South  Platte)  was 
rendered  insecure.  At  the  time  of  my  arrival  at  Fort  Laramie, 
the  several  posts  along  the  North  Platte  River,  from  Fort  Lara- 
mie to  the  Sou  h  Pass,  were  considered  in  danger.  It  is  certain 
tiiey  were  but  feebly  garrisoned,  and  incapable  of  oftbritig  any- 
thing like  a  protracted  delence.  This  I'eeling  of  insecurity, 
coupled  with  the  difficulty  of  procuring  transportation  and  the 
consciousness  of  being  so  entirely  subject  to  the  movements  of 
others,  forced  me  reluctantly  to  the  co/iclusion  that  I  could  not 
do  what  I  de.^ired  with  the  requisite  despatch,  if  at  all.  I,  there- 
fore, left  the  post  with  the  purpose  of  overtaking  my  party, 
which  was  done  ontlie  following  day. 

Our  return  was  along  the  telegraph  road,  striking  our  out- 
ward line  of  travel  on  the  LodgPeole  Creek,  40  miles  above  its 
month. 

Py  the  exercise  of  constant  vigilance,  through  a  country  from 
which  tlie  inhabitants  had  been  forced  to  flee,  and  where  the 
savages  were  decidedly  hostile,  we  c-afely  reached  Omaha,  with 
'^       but  slight  interruption,  on  the  25th  day  of  September. 


Ill 


r 


r    J. 


q 


22 


MB.    EVAX3     REPORT. 


It  may  be  deemed  a  subject  of  congratulation  tbat  we  re- 
turned without  tbe  loss  of  a  single  member  of  the  party,  with 
our  stock  entire,  and  everything  in  good  order. 


CONCLUSION. 

By  using  tlie  accompanying  table  of  latitude  and  longitude 
in  conection  with  a  map  of  tlie  country;  it  will  be  seen  that  in 
point  of  direction,  the  line  of  which  tliis  report  is  descriptive, 
stands  pre-eminent.  Talving  the  junction  of  the  North  and 
South  forks  of  the  Platte  River,  as  a  common  starting  point,  the 
distance  by  way  of  Fort  Laramie,  through  Valley  of  the  Sweet- 
water, and  through  South  Pass,  would,  under  the  most  favorable 
circumstances,  be  increased  70  miles  over  this  line. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  the  Bridijer's  Pass  route  affords  a 
much  larger  amonnt  of  valuable  timber  contiguous  to  it,  than 
the  line  by  the  South  Pass.     A  very  important  consideration, 

i  one  by  no  means  to  be  overlooked. 

"oal  is  said  to  occur  on  the  North  Platte,  above  Fort  Laramie, 
as  well  as  on  Bitter  Creek ;  both  of  these  coal  deposits  should 
receive  the  closest  scrutiny  before  any  route  is  finally  decided 
upon.  My  opinion  is,  and  I  give  it  with  diffidence,  that  the 
result  of  such  investigation  will  be  to  entitle  the  route  via 
Bridger's  Pass  to  still  greater  consideration.  From  some  little 
observation  of  the  valley  of  the  North  Platte,  near  Fort  Laramie, 
from  hearsay,  and  from  the  profiles  of  military  engineers,  I  am 
led  to  believe  that  the  upper  route  is  by  no  means  one  of  con- 
tinuously ascending  and  easy  grades,  as  far  as  South  Pass,  even, 
In  some  instances  it  will  be  found  necessary  to  leave  the  valley 
of  the  stream  on  account  of  cafions  and  narrows. 

Some  distance  below  Fort  Laramie  the  North  Platte  ceases 
to  be  a  river  of  the  plains. 

Twenty-five  milea  above  that  military  post,  it  runs  through 
what  is  called  Horseshoe  Cafion.  Here  spurs  of  the  Black  Ililla 
extend  some  distance  to  the  eastward  and  across  the  river. 
Major  Bridger,  in  a  conversation  I  had  with  him  at  Laramie, 
was  very  emphatic  in  stating  that  no  line  could  pass  up  it. 
The  alternative,  in  his  opinion,  was  to  have  the  valley  of  the 
river  below  the  Fort,  follow  up  the  Rawhide  Creek,   strikinfij 


\ 


\ 


MR.    EVANS     RKPOET. 


28 


tlie  Platte  again  at  or  nearly  opposite  the  month  of  La  Bont6 
Creok.  This  wonlil  bo  leaving  tho  valley  of  the  Platte  for  a 
distance  of  45  miles. 

I  do  not  mean  to  be  understood  that  there  is  anything  insur- 
mountable here;  only  to  show  some  of  the  obstacles  that  may 
bo  expected  on  this  route,  not  only  at  tho  Horseshoe  Cafion,  but 
at  Red  Buttes,  still  further  up,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Sweetwater, 
and  at  Devil's  Gate,  on  the  latter  streatn. 

As  the  South  Pass  route  will  probably  be  examined,  it  does 
pot  seem  necessary  for  me  to  follow  the  comparison  further.  I 
have  merelv  given  what  information  I  was  able  to  obtain. 

I  cannot  close  this  communication  without  making  one  or  two 
suggestions  for  tho  benefit  of  the  Company  in  future  ex])lora- 
tions,  as  conducing  to  the  efficiency  of  parties  in  the  field,  as 
well  as  the  comfort  mentally  of  those  who  may  have  charge  in 
conducting  the  surveys. 

There  is  no  probability  that  the  Indians  will  be  more  peace- 
able  during  the  coming  season  that  they  have  been  during  the 
one  just  past.  Parties  of  engineers  going  there,  unless  pro- 
tected by  escort,  will  be  subject  to  interruption  and  dela}',  if 
nothing  more.  Tho  efficiency  of  the  escort  depends  in  a  great 
degree  upon  the  ability  and  attention  to  duty  of  the  officers 
temporarily  in  command.  My  suggestion  is,  that  the  engineer 
in  charge  of  tho  party  should,  by  moans  of  some  arrangement 
with  the  War  Department,  be  able  for  'jlariituuo  being,  to  out- 
rank the  commander  of  the  escort.  By  no  other  means  can 
unity  be  preserved  and  a  conflict  of  authority  prevented. 

The  other  avggestion  is,  that  either  the  Company,  or  head 
of  the  party  should  absolutely  own  the  means  of  transportation. 
Wo  suffered  no  inconvenience  in  consequence  of  this  defect  in 
our  organization,  but  I  can  how  see,  how  easily  contingencies 
might  have  arisen,  making  it  necessary  to  remodel  this  part  of 
tho  organization  of  the  party — a  thing  difficult  of  accomplish- 
ment in  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

In  conclusion,  I  wish  to  acknowledge  my  obligations  to  the 
members  of  my  party. 

To  F.  N.  Finney,  1st  Assistant,  I  am  particularly  obliged  for 
his  valuable  assistance  so  cheerfully  rendered  while  he  remained 
with  the  party. 


\ 


M 


MK.    EVANS'   REPORT. 


^1 


jf  4 


Fro'.u  Messrs.  Duttou,  O'Xeil,  Furguson,  and  the  remaining 
members  of  tlie  corps,  I  received  valuable  assistance,  for  which 
they  are  not  only  entitled  to  my  thanks,  but  to  the  consideration 

of  the  Companv.  .  . 

Praise  is  due  Colonel  ^V.  O.  Collins  for  his  promptitude  m 

furnishing  escort. 

To ^ Jones,  Eiq.,  now  of  Salt  Lake  City,  then  in  charge 

of  tlic  sutler's  establishment,  at  Fort  llalleck,  I  am  obliged 
for  several  acts  of  kindness,  among  which  may  be  mentioned 
his  liberality  in  furnishing  us  with  room  for  storage  without 


c'l.ir'i'o. 


Respectfully  submitted, 

JAS.  A.  EVANS, 

Div.  Enff. 


hp 


To  T.  C.  DuRANi'.  Esq., 

F/cY'-Pms-V,  U.r.L'.  /V.  Co., 

1 J  William  St.,  New  York. 


APPENDIX  B. 


Report  of  F.  M.  Case,  Division  Engineer^  on  Surveys 

of  Cache  La  Poudre,  and  South  Platte  Routes  ;  and 

other  Mountain  Passes  in    Colorado^   made  in 

1864. 


Omaha,  Neb.  T'y,  December  15, 1864. 

Sir, — Under  my  instructions  to.  gather,  by  actual  survey  and 
otherwise,  whatever  information  I  could  relating  to  the  moun- 
tain passes  of  Colorado,  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  follow- 
ing: 

PEPORT. 

These  passes,  or  such  of  them  as  have  been  spoken  of  as  pos- 
sible or  practicable  for  railroad  purposes,  are  the  Cache  La 
Poudre,  the  Boulder,  the  Berthoud,  a  pass  at  the  head  of  the 
North  Fork  of  the  South  Platte,  one  at  the  head  of  Tarryall 
Creek,  and  the  Hoosier  Pass  near  Montgomery. 


I 


THE  BOULDIT'    PASS. 


From  information  obtained  from  Mr.  D.  C.  Collier,  a  very 
intelligent  explorer  of  Colorado^  and  now  editor  of  the  Miner's 
Register^  of  Central  City,  and  from  other  sources,  I  judge  tho 
Pass  to  be  at  least  11,900  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.    The 


2 


MR.   CASE  S   KEPORT. 


.   V 


valley  (of  S.  Boulder)  at  the  foot  of  the  mountains  cannot  be 
more  than  5,G00  feet.  The  elevation  of  Boulder  City,  six  miles' 
north,  on  North  Boulder,  being  5,530  feet.  This  leaves  a  dif- 
ference of  elevation  of  6,300  feet,  and  this  elevation  must  be 
overcome  in  a  distance  at  most  of  35  miles.  Knowing  these 
facts,  I  have  not  even  visited  the  Boulder  Pass. 


THE  ROUTE  UP  THE  NORTU  FORK  OF  THE  SOUTH  PLATTE 

Would  enter  tjie  mountains  at  the  canon  of  the  South  Platte, 
fc  How  up  that  stream  about  ten  miles  to  the  mouth  of  the  North 
Fork,  thence  up  that  stream  35  miles  to  the  range,  and  thence 
connect  with  one  of  the  heads  pf  Snake  River,  an  affluent  of  the 
Blue.  The  pass  is  represented  by  Hon.  Daniel  Witter,  another 
very  intelligent  explorer  of  Colorado,  as  being  a  little  below  the 
"timber  line,"  }>robably  about  11,500  feet  above  tide-water. 
From  elevations  kindly  furnished  me  by  Dr.  C  C.  Parry,  I  am 
enabled  to  give  some  information  that  may  be  of  use  in  judging 
of  this  route.  At  a  point  12  or  15  miles  below  the  pass  ("  The 
Forks,")  the  elevation  is  9,153  feet,  at  7  miles  below  it  is  8,405, 
and  at  a  point  4  miles  further  down  b,018,  indicating  that  a 
practical  grade  would  follow  the  valley  to  "  The  Forks."  The 
trouble  I  apprehended  would  be  to  overcome  2,300  feet  luva- 
tion  in  the  12  or  15  miles  from  that  point  to  the  pass,  wii  ut  a 
very  long  tunnel. 

The  descent  upon  the  western  slope  to  the  mouth  of  Snake 
River,  a  distance  of  not  more  than  20  miles,  is  2,700  feet,  upon 
the  hypothesis  that  the  pass  is  11,500  feet  above  tide-water. 
The  route  for  the  entire  distance  from  the  plains  to  the  Blue  is 
through  a  narrow  valley,  and  in  many  places  doubtless  very 
tortuous. 


THE  TARRY  ALT.  CREEK  ROUTE 


Enters  the  mountains  via  South  Platte,  and  follows  up  the  main 
stream  10  or  12  miles  further  than  the  last  mentioned  route, 
where  it  diverges,  following  up  the  valley  of  Tarry  all  Creek  some 
25  miles  to  the  South  Park,  thence  near  the  creek  across  the 
Park  to  Hamilton  and  Tarryall,  thence  up  the  main  stream  to 


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MR.   CASE  8   REPORT.  f 

a  pass  about  the  height  of  Hoosier  Pass,  from  which  it  descends 
Indiana  Gulch  to  the  Blue  above  Breckenridcre. 

Of  this  route  I  can  say  but  little  advisedly.  Dr.  Parry  gives 
the  elevation  of  Tarryall  (old  town)  at  9,932  feet.  The  pass, 
at  a  distance,  in  my  opinion,  not  exceeding  six  miles,  is  1,500 
feet  higher.  I  do  not  think  that  the  maximum  grade  allowed 
by  the  charter  would  go  within  two  miles  of  the  pass,  following 
the  sti'eam.  Whether  there  is  any  way  of  making  distance  on 
this  approach  or  not  I  cannot  tell,  as  I  have  not  had  an  oppor- 
tunity of  examining  the  route  from  Tarryall  to  the  pass.  I  have 
been  down  Indiana  Gulch  to  the  Blue,  and  should  say  the  des- 
cent was  150  or  200  feet  to  the  mile. 


THE    SOUTH    PLATTE    KOl'TE. 


I  have  made  a  partial  survey  of  this  route,  and  report  here- 
with a  profile  of  Iloosier  Pass,  a  profile  of  a  line  18  miles  down 
the  Blue,  and  one  of  a  line  48  miles  down  the  South  Platte, 
through  the  South  Park  to  the  head  of  the  cafion. 

A  tunnel  of  2i  miles  in  length  would  be  required  at  the  cross- 
ing of  the  range.  This  tunnel  would  be  through  granite  the 
entire  distance,  and  would  doubtless  cross  several  gold  lodes, 
which  crop  out  \ipon  the  western,  or  rather  northern  slope. 

The  line  upon  the  western  slope  would  have  to  follow  the  side 
of  the  mountain  to  get  a  practical  grade.  I  should  think  dis- 
tance sufficient  could  be  gained  upon  the  east  side  of  the  Blue 
to  allow  the  grade  to  reach  the  valley  a  few  miles  below  Brecken- 
ridgo,  from  which  point  to  the  mouth  of  the  Blue  the  line  would 
follow  a  fine  wide  valley,  with  easy  grades,  as  indicated  by  the 
profile,  and  good  alignment ;  except  that  the  valley  makes  but 
very  little  westing  in  its  entire  length. 

A  line  down  the  South  Platte  nuiy  be  located  so  as  to  secure, 
very  nearly,  a  nniform  grade  from  the  mouth  of  the  tunnel  to 
the  head  of  the  cafion,  where  my  line  terminates,  with  light 
curves  and  light  work,  as  the  profile  indicates. 

When  I  reached  the  head  of  the  canon,  I  found,  by  examina- 
tion, that  it  extended  9  or  10  miles,  aiul  there  being  no  way  of 
moving  camp  down  the  valley,  except  by  "  packing,"  I  concluded 


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%  MK.    CASES  REPORT. 

to  abandon  the  survey.  From  the  head  of  the  cafion  to  the 
plains,  a  distance  of  some  40  miles,  the  river  runs  all  of  the  way 
through  the  moimtains.  The  greater  portion  of  the  distance  the 
valley  is  of  suflScient  width  to  admit  of  a  good  location  for  the 
road,  but  there  would  probably  be  20  miles,  at  least,  of  "  close  " 
canon,  or  one  both  walls  of  which  are  washed  by  the  stream. 
There  would  necessarily  be  a  good  deal  of  tunnelling  in  the 
canon — ^how  much  I  cannot  say.  I  estimated  the  height  of 
Hoosier  Pass  to  be  11,500  feet  above  the  sea.  This  estimate  I 
formed  from  its  being  about  200  feet  below  the  limit  of  arbor- 
escence  or  "  tree  line,"  which  in  that  locality  is  about  11,700 
feet  above  tide-water.*  Allowing  the  pass  to  bo  as  estimated, 
the  elevation  at  the  head  of  the  canon  will  be  8,432  feet.  Call- 
ing the  mouth  of  the  canon  5,700,  it  would  leave  a  difference 
of  elevation  of  2,732  feet  between  the  mouth  of  the  canon  and 
its  head,  making  an  average  grade  of  less  than  70  feet  per 
mile. 

In  the  matter  of  grades,  I  do  not  hesitate  in  the  opinion  that 
there  is  no  route  in  Colorado  with  so  easy  an  approach,  on  both 
sides  of  the  main  range  of  mountains,  ab  this  route.  Yet  the 
easy  grades  are  made  at  the  sacrifice  of  general  alignment. 
There  will  be  a  line  of  about  145  miles  in  length  to  make  70 
miles  of  westing  between  Denver  and  the  mouth  of  the  Blue. 

There  is  an  abundance  of  timber,  the  mountain  varieties  of 
fir,  spruce,  and  pine,  along  the  whole  route,  except  that  in  the 
Park  it  is  some  distance  from  the  line.  Good  building  stone 
and  limestone  may  be  easily  procured  from  the  ridges  of  strati- 
fied rock  that  intersect  the  Park,  and  in  the  same  formation  in 
the  valley  of  the  Blue. 

From  what  information  I  have  gleaned,  in  three  and  a  half 
years  residence  in  Colorado,  the  snow  falls  in  the  basin  of  the 
Blue  and  in  the  vicinity  of  Hoosier  Pass  deeper  than  in  any 
part  of  Colorado.  From  some  person  (I  cannot  now  remember 
who  gave  me  this  information,)  who  kept  a  meteorological  record 


•  I  bavo  «ince  learned  from  Dr.  Parry  that  the  "  tree  line  "  at  Georgia  Tass, 
the  nearest  point  to  the  Iloosier  Pass,  at  which  it  has  been  taken,  is  1 1 ,487  feet. 

F.  M.  C. 


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MB.   CASE  S  REPOBT. 


at  Georgia  Gulch,  during  the  winter  of  1861-2,  I  learned  that 
the  total  fall  of  snow  at  that  place  was  37  feet ;  and  in  one  storm 
in  February,  1862,  11  feet.  Georgia  Gulch  is  on  the  western 
slope — one  of  the  gulches  of  Swan  Eiver,  an  affluent  of  the  Blue. 


I 


) 


'ii 


THE   BERTIIOTJD    PASS   ROUTE. 

I  did  not  have  time  to  make  any  further  examination  of  this 
route  the  past  season,  and  have  but  little  information  to  report 
that  is  not  contained  in  my  report  to  Gov.  Evans  in  1862. 
Which  report,  with  a  few  corrections,  such  as  further  experience 
in  the  geology  and  climatology  of  Colorado  dictates,  I  here  in- 
sert, that  I  may  embody  in  one  paper  all  the  information  I 
have  been  able  to  obtain  upon  the  subject,  up  to  the  present 
date. 


"CoLOTJADO  Territory,         ) 
Denver,  August  15th,  1862.    f 
"Hon  John  Evans,  Gov. 
Col.  Territory : 

"  Sir, — In  submitting  to  you  this  report  of  my  late  instrumental 
reconnoissance  of  the  Berthoud  Pass  and  its  eastern  approach, 
with  the  view  of  its  being  laid  by  you  before  the  Board  of 
Corporators  of  the  Pacific  Railroad,  I  am  aware  that  the  facts 
which  will  be  of  real  interest  to  practical  railroad  men  are 
very  meagre  ;  yet,  as  many  misrepresentations  have  been  made 
upon  mere  opinion,  the  few  facts  I  have  gleaned  may  be  of  in- 
terest to  the  Board  of  Corporators,  of  which  you  are  a  member. 

"  I  have  had  a  connected  line  of  levels  run  from  the  Platte 
River  (at  the  upper  bridge  in  Denver)  to  the  summit  of  the 
Pass  and  two  and  three  fourths  miles  down  Moses  Creek,  on  the 
Pacific  slope.  From  one  "lile  below  Empire  City  a  transit  line 
has  been  run  over  the  Pass — levels  have  been  run  up  Clear 
Creek,  a  mile  and  a  half  above  the  mouth  of  Iloope's  Creek, 
opposite  the  pass,  and  also  from  Empire  City  to  the  low  pass 
between  Bard  Creek  and  the  south  fork  of  Clear  Creek.  Be- 
tween this  low  pass  and  Georgetown,  one  and  three  fourths  mile 
south,  the  relative  elevations  have  been  ascertained  by  barometric 


i:     t 


¥  '"I 


9  MR.    CASES   REPORT. 

observations,  by  Dr.  Parry,  a  gentleman  who  is  spending  the 
summer  near  the  Range,  making  scientific  explorations. 

"  I  submit  herewith  a  map  of  the  route  from  Denver,  west- 
ward, embracing  the  Pass,  giving  a  very  fair  representation  of 
tlie  topography  of  the  country  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Pass,  with 
the  relative  elevations  at  certain  points,  as  ascertained  by  the 
levels.  Upon  this  map  I  have  drawn  a  proposed  location  of  a 
railroad  line,  which,  in  my  opinion,  will  be  near  the  most  prac- 
ticable route  for  the  real  location.  The  lengtli  of  the  tuimel  I 
make  three  and  a  half  miles.  I  have  made  tliis  length  by  sup- 
posing an  up  grade  of  fifty  feet  to  the  mile,  running  westward 
in  the  tnnnel  from  the  entrance,  for  two  miles,  and  thence  run- 
ning a  down  grade  of  ten  feet  to  the  mile,  to  the  exit. 

"  An  up  grade  in  the  tunnel  of  one  hundred  feet  to  the  mile 
for  the  first  two  miles,  instead  of  fifty,  would  shorton  the  tunnel 
about  one  fourth  of  a  mile.  The  grade,  as  you  will  notice,  is 
less  than  116  feet  to  the  mile  from  the  forks  below  Empire  City 
to  the  tunnel,  but  the  equation  for  curvature,  on  the  line  I  have 
drawn,  would  probably  bring  the  grade  up  to  this  maximum. 

"  This  range  of  mountains,  on  its  eastern  slope  being  subject 
to  a  very  considerably  less  fall  of  rain  during  the  year  than  the 
Alleghanies  or  New  England  mountains,  are  much  less  dis- 
integrated, and  are  fitly  called  "  Rocky  Mountains."  The  moun- 
tains on  either  side  of  the  valley  of  Clear  Creek  are  "  rugged," 
with  frequent  points  of  rocks  projecting  into  the  valley ;  lor  this 
reason  I  have  drawn  the  line  bo  as  to  get  down  into  the  valley 
with  the  grade  as  soon  as  possible. 

"  I  might  say  in  this  connection,  that  there  would  be  a  possi- 
hility  of  striking  rich  gold  lodes  in  the  construction  of  the  tun- 
nel, for  it  is  in  the  "  Gold  Belt,"  there  being  lodes  on  each  side 
of  the  pass,  yet  I  would  not  like  to  undertake  the  construction 
of  the  tunnel  with  the  understanding  that  I  should  take  this 
"  possibility"  in  "  part  pay." 

"  Of  the  Western  approach  to  the  Pass  I  will  hazard  no  opinion 
as  to  gradients  or  courses.  The  Western  slope  of  the  Range 
seems  to  be  covered  with  a  much  deeper  soil,  as  it  is  covered 
with  a  nmch  denser  foliage,  which  is  doubtless  owing  to  the 
arrest  and  precipitation  of  the  spring  and  summer  rains  by  the 
snow  of  the  Range  ;  the  prevailing  winds  being  nothwesterly. 


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MB.   CASE  8  BEPOET. 


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I 


This  fact,  in  case  of  having  to  keep  the  mountain  sides  to  get 
down  to  the  valley  of  the  Grand  Kiver,  would  render  the  cost 
of  construction  much  less  than  upon  the  Eastern  Slope. 

"  I  have  made  considerable  inquiry  as  to  the  winter  snows  in 
the  neighborhood  of  the  Pass,  and  find  that  at  Empire  City, 
they  have  wintered  cattle  every  winter  without  hay.  From 
all  the  statements  of  settlers  on  the  experience  of  three  winters, 
I  am  of  opinion  that  the  winter  snows  would  form  no  serious 
obstacle  to  the  running  of  railroad  trains  from  the  tunnel  east- 
ward. About  three-fourths  of  a  mile  from  the  Pass,  on  the 
western  slope,  we  passed  a  camp  where  a  family  were  snow- 
bound last  winter,  for  some  weeks,  and  judging  from  the  height 
of  the  stumps  of  trees  cut  by  them  while  there,  should  think 
the  snow  must  have  been  five  or  six  feet  deep.  This  depth, 
from  all  the  information  I  can  glean,  would  be  about  a  fair 
average  for  about  fifteen  or  twenty  miles  west  of  the  Range,  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  Pass.  The  prevailing  winds  being  from  the 
northwest,  the  snow  piles  in  immense  drifts  on  the  southeastern 
slopes  of  the  range.  These  slopes,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Pass, 
being  very  precipitous  near  the  summit,  arrest  the  snows  before 
they  reach  the  valley  of  Clear  Creek.  This  fact  may  account 
for  the  light  fall  of  snow  near  Empire  City. 

"  The  following  table  will  show  very  nearly  the  distances 
between  the  points  at  which  I  have  ascertained  the  elevations 
above  the  Platte  at  Denver,  along  the  proposed  route  from 
Denver,  westward  to  the  Pass  : 

Places.  Distances.  ElevalioD. 

Platte  River,  at  Denver 0  miles.     0. 

Divide  between  Denver  and  Golden  City . .     7.5  "     544. 

GoldenCity 5.0  "     500. 

Ten  miles  up  the  Cafion 10.0  "    1580. 

Where  Idaho  road  enters  valley    of   Clear 

Creek 6.8  "2019. 

Idaho 5.2  "2395. 

Forks  of  Clear  Creek  below  Empire  City 7.3  "   3117. 

Georgetown 4.0  "    3519. 

Entrance  of  Tunnel 13.0  "4820. 

Total  distance  from  Denver. 58.8     " 


I 


W  MB.   CASES  BEPOBT. 

"  In  entering  the  Canon  of  Clear  Creek,  either  from  Denver 
or  the  mouth  of  Clear  Creek,  the  road  can  go  into  the  Cafion 
from  one  to  five  hundred  feet  above  the  water  of  the  creek,  if 
a  better  line  can  be  found  at  such  elevation. 

"  Of  the  cost  of  constructiou  of  a  railroad  from  Golden  City 
to  the  entrance  of  the  tunnel,  I  cannot,  of  course,  make  an 
estimate  upon  this  reconnoissance,  but  should  say  the  expense 
would  not  be  greater  than  the  average  of  eastern  mountain 
roads  for  the  same  distance. 

"  Hoping  these  few  facts  may  be  of  service  to  you  and  the 
Board  of  Corporators  of  the  Pacific  Railroad,  I  am, 
"  Very  truly  your  obedient  servant, 
,      .    i>  "  FEANCIS  M.  CASE, 

^  '  ' '■  s  v  "  Civil  Migineer.^^ 

Since  writing  the  foregoing  report  I  have  obtained  from  Dr. 
Parry  the  elevation  of  the  head  of  the  Middle  Park,  about  ten 
miles  of  the  pass  on  the  western  slope,  which  is  8,949  feet,  or 
1,340  feet  lower  than  the  mouth  of  the  proposed  tunnel  7^  miles 
above.  The  Hot  Springs,  on  the  Grand  River,  20  miles  farther 
down,  he  makes  7,540  feet,  showing  an  average  grade  from  the 
head  of  the  Park  to  the  Hot  Springs  of  about  70  feet^to  the 
mile. 

Tlierc  is  one  difiiculty  that  would  be  encountered  upon  this 
route  not  mentioned  in  the  above  report,  and  that  is  in  the 
form  of  avalanches  or  glaciers,  which  occur  occasionally  at 
two  different  points  near  the  foot  of  the  pass,  upon  the  moun- 
tain side  south  of  Clear  Creek.  The  mass  of  snow  and  ice  which 
accumulates  at  the  head  of  gulches  at  these  points,  loosening 
next  to  the  mountain  by  the  action  of  the  water  from  the  melt- 
ing snows,  sweeps  down  the  mountain  side  with  a  velocity  that 
carries  everything  before  it.  At  the  one  above  the  mouth  of 
Hoope's  Creek,  I  saw  trees  and  rubbish  which  had  been  driven 
before  the  avalanche  across  the  creek,  and  four  or  five  hundred 
feet  up  tiie  northern  s^ope  of  the  valley.  A  located  line  would 
cross  the  track  of  both  these  avalanches. 

THE   CACHE-LA-POUDRE   ROUTE. 

Over  this  route  I  have  run  a  preleiminary  lino,  commencing  at 


/ 


F  M  CASl .  0»¥.  tun  f  OtL 


UNION   PACIFIC  RAIL    ROAD 
SURVry  OF   1864. 


MB.    CASE  8   EEPORT. 


9 


La  Porte,  and  running  as  indicated  by  the  red  line  upon  the  ac- 
companying map,  I  connected  with  Mr.  Evans'  line  at  his 
station  1,360,  near  the  crossing  of  Laramie  River. 

Being  entirely  unacquainted  with  the  topography  of  the 
country  along  this  route,  I  kept  my  lines  in  the  valley  of  streams 
until  I  passed  Cherokee  station,  aud  thence  along  what  appeared 
at  first  sight  to  be  the  most  feasible  route.  My  party  being 
short  I  was  obliged  to  be  with  them  so  much  that  I  could  not 
devote  as  much  time  to  reconnoissance  as  I  otherwise  would, 
I  very  much  regret  that  I  had  not  time  to  run  a  new  line  nearly 
or  quite  the  whole  distance  from  La  Porte  to  the  summit ;  and 
also  to  try  a  line  over  the  divide  to  the  head  waters  of  Crow 
Creek.  I  think  I  can  get  a  fair  line  with  lighter  grades  from  La 
Porte  to  the  Laramie  Plains  than  are  shown  by  any  line  yet  sur- 
veyed over  the  Black  Hills.  Yet  this  is  only  my  opinion.  An 
actual  survey  only  will  determine  this  point.  Some  points  are 
already  settled  by  the  present  survey.  One  is,  that  Antelope 
Pass  is  593  feet  lower  than  the  summit  made  upon  the  Cheyenne 
Pass  route.  Another  is,  that  the  descent  to  the  Laramie  Plains 
from  Antelope  Pass  may  be  made  with  a  grade  not  much,  if 
any,  exceeding  80  feet  per  mile. 

I  have  indicated  by  a  red  dotted  line  upon  the  map,  my  pro- 
posed location.  I  think  a  line  may  be  obtained  with  a  practical 
grade  by  keeping  in  a  valley  to  the  right  of  the  stage  road,  and 
coming  into  the  road,  or  near  it,  above  Boner  station.  If  so,  it 
would  be  very  much  preferable  to  any  line  following  the  Cache 
La  Poudre  and  Dale  Creeks.  For  those  valleys  being  so  narrow 
the  grade  must  of  necessity,  be  laid  at  least  25  feet  above  the 
bed  of  the  stream.  Evidences  of  the  flood  of  last  spring  show  tliat 
the  water  was  20  feet  above  its  present  stage. 

If  this  route  should  be  found  to  be  itnpriicticable,  I  would  try 
a  route  as  indicated  by  the  westerly  dotted  line  passing  over  (or 
rather  going  through  with  a  thousajid  feet  tunnel)  a  low  pass, 
about  opposite  the  junction  of  Dale  and  Cache  La  Poudre  Creeks, 
and  keeping  along  the  eastern  slope  of  the  valley  of  Dale  Creek, 
join  tlie  other  line  near  the  crossing  of  Stonewall  Creek.  From 
this  point,  I  think,  by  keeping  up  the  divide  west  of  this  creek, 
the  line  would  (iiter  Stonewall  Cafion  at  a  height  suttieiont  to  get 
a  fair  line  through  the  caAoii,  and  reach  an  elevation  at  its  head 


1? 


■■ 


I    '! 


it 


I 


10 


MR.    CASK  S    KEPOKT. 


which  would  admit  of  getting  up  the  divide  beyond  and  near 
the  stage  road  with  a  grade  not  exceeding  2.2  feet  per  station. 

Much  time  and  care  should  be  bestowed  upon  a  located  line, 
as  the  country,  especially  from  Poison  Creek  to  the  pass,  is  very 
rough,  broken  by  points  and  ledges  of  granite  thrown  u])  pro- 
miscuously. In  some  ])hices  you  see  only  bare  and  isolated  peaks, 
in  others,  ledges,  trending  in  every  conceivable  direction. 

In  this  connecticm  allow  me  to  suggest  that  a  thorough  exam- 
imvtion  should  be  made  of  the  divide,  east  of  Dale  Creek,  and  a 
few  miles  north  of  Virginia  Bale,  at  the  heads  of  Crow  Creek 
and  ]>ox  Elder.  From  what  information  I  can  get,  the  foot  of 
the  niountiiins  east  of  this  point  is  as  high,  or  even  higher  than 
the  starting  point  of  Mr.  Evans'  line.  That  point  is  1,953  feet 
higher  than  my  starting  point  at  La  Porto.  Xow,  if  by  some 
branch  of  Crow  Creek  or  Howard's  Fork,  we  can  find  a  uniform 
grade  to  tlie  summit,  I  think  such  grade  will  be  within  the  limit 
fixed  by  the  charter  of  the  road.  Py  reference  to  the  map  you 
Avill  see  that  such  a  route  would  connect  with  a  line  up  the 
South  Platte,  with  a  much  better  general  alignment  than  by  La 
Porte  ;  or  would  connect  with  the  Lodge  Pole  Poute,  by  way 
of  !Mu(ldy  Fork,  without  a  serious  sacrifice  of  alignment.  [See 
also  Stansbury's  Report,  p.  25S,  et  setj.l 

If  a  route  can  be  ol)tained  up  the  valley,  east  of  Boner  stati< 
near  the  line  1  have  drawn,  it  would  pass  over,  from  La  Porte 
to  Stonewall  Canon,  soil  that  is  underlaid  bv  stratified  rocks, 
with  occasional  outcrops  of  the  latter.  From  Stonewall  Canon 
to  Laramie  Plains,  the  formation  is  all  primitive  ;  most  of  the 
way  however,  the  surface  ia  covered  with  a  soil — the  result  of 
the  disintegration  and  decomposition  of  the  granitic  rocks.  In 
the  Stonewall  Canon  the  granite  is  close  grained,  hard,  and  in- 
tersected by  veins,  or  dykes  of  some  basaltic  rock.  Toward  the 
Laramie  Plains,  the  feldspar  predominates,  rendering  the  rock 
more  friable,  and  susceptible  to  disinteg  ating  agencies. 

As  far  as  my  observation  extended,  the  primitive  formation 
along  the  route  shows  no  traces  of  any  mineral  veins  whatever. 
My  second  assistant,  Mr.  Pirn,  says  there  is  no  doubt  that  Rock 
Creek,  further  west,  comes  down  from  a  gold  region.  That  lie 
has  seen  the  evidences  himself;  and  also  assured  me  that  there 


'■.t<x.. 


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■:^'^'  ■■■;' 


.yiL/mi/nei)  BY f  Mc/isr  div iNe'uNiON^/tcincitAiLfoAD 


iiTH  orM4jenA  KMAfr;**»tJ'OADWAr.  «  y 


IN   THt   STONEWALL   CANON. 


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</ 


!'• 


MR.   case's   report. 


11 


was  a  large  body  of  iron  ore  in  the  vicinity  of  our  line,  (he  would 
not  say  where,)  that  he  had  also  seen  himself. 

I  did  not  see  any  indications  of  coal,  in  the  latter  formations 
along  the  route.  I  did  not  look  for  them  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
primitive  rocks,  believing  that  coal  will  not  be  found  in  such 
localities.  Tlie  intense  heat,  at  some  period  of  their  geological 
history,  having  driven  off,  or  consumed  the  carbon,  if  it  were 
ever  there. 

There  is  a  sparse  growth  of  timber,  in  places  along  the  route, 
mostly  a  dwarfed  variety  of  vine.  South  of  the  line,  and  at  no 
great  distance,  appears  to  be  a  heavy  growth  of  good  timber. 

I  think  there  would  be  little  difficulty  in  rafting  timber  down 
the  Cache  La  Poudre,  and  less  still  in  getting  it  down  the  BW 
Laramie.  ° 

Accompanying  this  report  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  con- 
densed profiles  of  the  Cache  La  Poudre,  the  Berthoud,  and  the 
South  Platte  routes.  These  profiles  are  made  from  my  own 
surveys,  and  from  such  other  data  ap  I  have  been  able  to  obtain. 
The  grades  in  these  profiles  are  broken  to  show  the  general  un- 
dulations of  the  surface  only.  I  also  submit  maps  of  the  lines 
run  during  the  past  season,  together  with  a  map  of  Colorado, 
showing  approximately,  all  the  different  routes. 

I  have  made  no  estimate  of  quantites  upon  any  of  these 
routes,  for  the  reason  that  as  yet  I  have  not  had  time  to  run  a 
line  approximating  the  best  location  sufficiently  near  to  make 
an  estimate  upon. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

FRAXCIS  M.  CASE. 

Div.  Eag'r. 
To  T.  C.  DpRANT,  Esq., 

Vice-Pres.  U.  P.  R.  P.  Co. 

No.  13  William  St.,  New  York. 


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APPENDIX  C. 


Report  of  Samuel  B.  Reed,  Division  Engineer^  on 
;     Surveys  and  Explorations  from  Green  River 
'  '  to  Great  Salt  LaJce  City^  made  in 

1864. 


JoLiET,  Illinois,  Dec.  24,  1S64. 
Sir, — According  to  instructions,  dated  March  7th,  1864,  I 
have  the  pleasure  of  submitting  the  following  report  of  my  ex- 
plorations and  survey's  in  the  mountains  east  of  and  in  the  vicinity 
of  Great  Salt  Lake  City  : 

On  rejx)rting  in  Omaha,  Nebraska,  the  2d  day  of  April  last, 
I  found  that  arrangements  were  not  made  for  me  to  leave  imme- 
diately for  Great  Salt  Lake  City. 

Wiiilo  in  Omaha,  information  was  received  that  the  First 
Assistant  assigned  to  my  party  declined  the  appointment — Mr. 
A.  J.  Mathewson  was  transferred  to  fill  the  vacancy. 

Arrangements  for  our  journey  being  completed,  we  left 
Omaha,  April  30th,  via  Western  Stage  Company's  line,  for 
Atchison,  Kansas,  where  we  were  delayed  until  the  7th  of  May, 
before  we  could  secure  our  scats  in  the  Overland  Stage  for  Great 
Salt  Lake  City. 

I  was  informed  that  Governor  Brigham  Young  would  fui*nish 
all  my  men,  teams  and  supplies  for  the  survey. 

When  I  arrived  in  Great  Salt  Lake  City,  he  was  absent  on 
a  tour  to  Bear  Lake  Yalley,  in  the  northern  part  of  the  terri- 
tory 

His  absence  caused  a  few  days  delay,  however  arrangements 
were  soon  made,  and  wc  commenced  Held  work  the  firat  day  of 
June  last. 


ffRf*^ 


f 


MK.   EEEU  S   KEPOKT. 


GKEAT  SALT  LAKE  CITY  TO   THE  MOUTH    OF  WEIJER  CANON. 

The  point  of  comnienccment  is  in  the  northwest  part  of  tlie 
city,  near  Jordan  River,  which  is  connected  by  courses  and  dis- 
tances with  the  nionuniont  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Temple 
Block,  in  north  latitude  40^  45' 44",  west  longitude  112^00' 
08".  The  altitude  of  the  beginning  of  the  line,  as  shown  on  tho 
profile  is  4,285 j^g-  feet  above  the  sea. 

From  the  point  of  commencement  the  line  runs  near  the 
base  of  the  mountains,  in  a  northerly  direction,  past  Warm  and 
Hot  Springs,  and  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Great  Salt  Lake,  to  tho 
mouth  of  Weber  Canon,  a  distance  of  3GA^  miles. 

By  rclbrring  to  the  map  and  profile,  you  will  observe,  that 
five  or  six  miles  of  this  distance  can  be  saved  l)y  making  a 
short  tunnel  through  the  low  hills  near  the  base  of  the  moun- 
tains. 

Careful  surveys  and  estimates  will  determine  between  the 
line  run  and  the  one  suggested.  The  amount  of  excavation 
and  bridging  on  this  portion  of  the  line  is  light,  grades  easy, 
and  alig?unent  good. 

The  altitude  at  the  mouth  of  the  Weber  Canon,  is  4,055.5 
above  the  sea. 


;  i 


!ii 


"WEBER   CANON.  '  * 

On  arriving  at  the  mouth  of  this  cailon  we  found  it  to  be 
very  narrow.  The  general  course  is  direct.  The  sides  of  the 
caijon  sloi)e  back  at  an  angle  which  will  admit  of  the  road  bed 
being  uiadc  on  the  slope  when  necessary. 

The  river  at  the  mouth  of  the  canon  is  120  feet  wide,  and 
from  four  to  six  feet  deep,  being  swollen  at  the  time  of  the  sur- 
vey by  melting  of  snow  on  the  mountains.  It  has  a  strong, 
powerful  current  over  a  bed  of  water-worn  stones,  and  fallen 
rocks  of  immense  size. 

There  is  one  obstacle  to  be  overcome  in  this  narrow  gorge, 
known  as  the  Devil's  Gate. 

A  heavy  point  projects  from  the  south  into  the  valley.  This 
deflects  the  river  GOO  feet  north  of  its  general  direction.  The 
water  rushes  around  this  bend  with  tremendous  force,  where  it 
is  impossible  to  build  tlie  road  on  account  of  the  shoit  crooks, 
and  tho  rapid  fall  in  the  river. 


1 


% 


'''    ' 


A 


1" 


MR.    REED  8   REPORT.  M 

To  overcome  this  obstruction  1^  miles  of  maximum  grade 
(IIG  feet  per  mile)  will  be  required. 

The  line  below  the  Gate  winds  along  the  side  of  the  cnnon, 
crossing  ravines  and  projecting  points  of  rock.  From  the  (jaU 
to  tlie  head  of  the  fjorije  no  lieavv  work  is  encountered. 

The  excavation  through  tlie  (;anon  will  be  loose  or  sulid  ro^-k. 
Granite  and  gniess  predominate. 

At  the  upper  end  of  the  gorge  W^  miles  from  Great  Salt 
Lake  City,  the  mountains  recede  to  the  right  and  left^  leaving  a 
valley  from  one-half  to  three  miles  wide,  and  l~)^  miles  in  length, 

1  fere  the  grading  and  bridging  will  not  be  expensive.  Easy 
grades  and  curves  of  long  radius  are  obtained. 

There  is  ntck  for  masonry  at  convenient  distances  on  either 
side  of  t lie  valley. 

A  limited  supply  of  limlter  can  be  obtained  in  the  canons  for 
cross-ties  and  bridge  purposes. 

The  pi 'cr  from  which  a  -upply  of  timber  for  railroail  pur- 
poses thrc  .  the  mountains  can  be  procured,  will  hereatter  be 
described. 

From  the  npj)er  end  of  this  vjilley  the  mountains  close  in 
upon  the  river,  forming  a  narrow  crooked  canon  six  miles  long. 
The  river  winds  from  side  to  side  of  the  narrow  gorge,  making 
freipient  crossings  necessary.  The  excavation  and  bridging  will 
be  expensive.  About  one-balf  tlu'  excavatit)n  will  be  rock. 
]>luck  limestone,  carboniferous  saudrock,  and  clay  slate  are  tlie 
prevailing  rocks. 

Two  short  tunnels  will  be  rctpiired,  om-  at  station  1,*H.'',  three 
hundred  feet  long,  and  one  at  station  1,08"),  four  hundred  foet 
long. 

The  high  point  crossed  by  thr  line  at  station  1,053  to  1,072, 
can  be  avoided  on  the  locMted  line.     (See  inap  and  profile.) 

In  tills  cafion  there  is  one  mile  that  is  very  narrow. 

The  "  r/ci/v's,"  on  both  sid<'3  of  the  river,  slopes  to  the  water's 
edge.  During  storms  of  rain,  «jir  sudden  nu'lting  (/f  snow,  great 
cpiantities  of  loose  rock  slide  down  the  side  of  the  mountains  into 
the  river. 

M\|»ensiv(!  retaining  walls  will  Ix;  necessary  to  protect  the 
road-bed. 

From  this  place  to  the  mouth  of  Echo  Cafion  (5.J  miles)  the 


«w«rv«kj^ei 


^ 


iri?.    KKKDS    RErOUT. 


|M: 


valley  is  wide  and  of  a  very  uniform  surface.  Excavation  and 
bridging  not  expensive.  Stone,  for  what  few  bridges  are  re- 
quired, can  be  obtained  at  convenient  distances  on  both  sides  of 
the  river. 

Mineral  coal  was  seen  in  place,  in  the  Weber  Yalley,  two  miles 
below  the  liionth  of  Eclio  Creek. 

The  dip  of  the  rock  indicates  that  if  coal  is  found  north  of  this 
place  it  will  be  below  the  bed  of  Weber  liiver. 

Kunierous  indications  of  iron  ore  were  seen.  The  farmers 
living  in  the  Weber  Valler  informed  me  that  there  are  larce 
deposits  of  this  mineral  on  one  of  the  small  tributaries  of  the 
AVeber,  on  the  nortli  side  of  the  river. 

The  altitude  of  Weber  Valley,  at  tlie  mouth  of  Echo  Canon, 
is  5,585  above  the  sea. 

The  average  grade  from  tlie  Devil's  <4ate,  29^  miles,  is  22-jYo 
feet  per  mile.  Tlie  grade  is  somewhat  unduliiting,  but  generally 
very  uniform,  as  a  refertMice  to  the  profile  will  show. 

From  tlic  montli  of  Wel)cr  Canon  to  thi;-  place  there  will  be 
sixteen  bridges  over  Web(>r  TJiver.  Some  Iributary  streams  and 
numerous  irriijatinij  ditches  will  have  to  be  crossed. 

I  will  hero  remark,  that  the  protile  of  the  line  from  Great 
Salt  Lake  City  through  the  Wahsatch  Mountains  via  Weber 
Valley  to  this  place,  78  J-  miles,  is  much  more  favorable  than  I 
expected  to  iind. 

From  the  mouth  of  Echo  Cafion  to  the  east  branch  of  Sulphur 
Creek  two  lines  were  run — one  via  Echo  Creek,  crossing  the 
divi<Ie  between  AVeber  and  liear  liivers,  at  the  head  of  Echo  ; 
thence  down  a  tributary  of  JJear  Jliver  to  the  same,  np  Bear 
Jliver  to  the  mouth  of  Sulphur  Creek,  and  up  Sulphur  to  the 
east  branch  of  the  same  stream.  This  line  will  hereaiter  be 
more  fully  described. 

The  other  line  contiiiiu's  up  the  valley  of  Wel)er  Itiver, 
G,-Vo  i"ih-s,  without  encountering  any  heavy  work  to  the  mouth 
of 


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From  information  received  from  various  sources  before  leaving 
Omaha,  and  afler  arriving  in  I;  tab,  I  was  led  t<j  believe  that  this 


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ME.    KEED  8   REPORT. 


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valley  would  prove  to  be  tlie  most  favorable,  if  not  the  only  prac- 
tical route  over  the  hiijrh  divide  between  Weber  and  Bear  Rivers. 
It  was,  therefore,  with  great  alixiety  that  we  worked  our  way  up 
the  valley  of  this  stream  to  the  summit. 

The  fii'st  two  miles  up  Chalk  Creek  Valley  is  through  well 
cultivated  farms.  Then  the  valley  narrows  to  a  cailon  one  mile 
in  length,  only  wide  enough  for  the  bed  of  the  stream  and  quite 
crooked.  The  rocky  points  from  opposite  sides  of  the  creek  pro- 
jecting past  each  other  will  cause  heavy  rock  excavation.  From 
here  the  valley  opens,  and  for  a  distance  of  1S|,-  miles  the  exca- 
vation and  embankment  will  be  comparatively  light. 

The  average  ascending  grade  from  the  mouth  of  the  creek  to 
this  place  is  64-j^jf^  feet  per  mile,  almost  three  times  as  much 
as  the  average  in  the  Weber  Valley  above  the  Devil's  Gate. 
.  The  approach  to  the  summit  is  made  with  5J  miles  of  maxi- 
mum grade.  The  excavation  and  einbankuient  will  be  expen- 
sive. At  the  summit  a  tunnel,  2,7(X>  feet  in  length,  will  be  re- 
quired, through  carboniferous  sand  rock,  with  expensive  ap- 
proaches at  each  end.        ' 

The  altitude  is  7,834:  feet  above  the  sea.  This  is  the  highest 
point  reached  on  the  survey. 

In  the  mountains,  to  the  south,  there  is  a  large  tract  of  pine 
timber,  suitable  for  railroad  purposes,  acc<.'ssible  from  this  point. 

From  the  suinuiit  to  Bear  River  the  country  is  very  much  cut 
up  by  the  various  small  tributaries  of  Yellow  Creek.  It  is  ne- 
cessary to  cross  the  (h-aluage  with  the  line.  This  makes  heavy 
work,  as  will  be  seen  on  tlie  prolile. 

Willie  exploring  the  country  at  the  head  of  Clialk  Creek,  I 
became  satisfied  that  it  was  Imi^ossible  to  cross  tlie  divide  be- 
tween AVeberand  Bear  Rivers,  south  of  Chalk  Creek,  on  account 
of  the  near  apju'oach  to  the  Vinta  !^[ou^taius.  Subsequent  ex- 
plorati(Mis  fully  coniirm  this  opinion. 

From  IJear  River,  which  is  l.")«)  feet  wide  and  one  foot  deep  at 
low  water,  to  the  east  branch  of8uli>Iuir  Creek,  11  ,",*)  miles,  the 
grading  and  bridging  is  light,  alignniout  good,  and  timber  con- 
venient. 

As  two  lines  wore  run  to  (his  place,  I  will  return  and  describe 
some  of  the  distinguishing  features  of  the 


\ 


'?*• 


■it. 


6 


MB.    BEEU  8   BEPORT. 


ly 


ECHO  CAfJON  LINE. 

Echo  Canon  Is  a  deep  gorge  wora  in  the  soft  suud  rock,  100  to 
1,000  feet  wide,  and  23}  miles  long.  Bold  ctjcarpmenta  rise  al- 
most vertical  from  five  to  eight  hundred  feet  high,  and  extend 
on  tlio  north  side  from  Weber  Valley  twenty  miles  up  the 
canon,  or  nearly  to  Cache  Cave — on  the  south  side  the  hills  re- 
cede at  an  anij^le  of  45°. 

From  Cache  Cave  to  the  summit  the  hills  are  more  rounded, 
and  slope  back  at  a  greater  angle,  numerous  short  ti'ibutaries 
come  in  on  both  sides,  cutting  the  country  into  a  succession  of 
deep  ravines  and  sharp  ridges. 

From  the  point  wiiere  we  leave  the  Weber  Yalley  Line,  up 
the  canon  to  Cache  Cave,  21-i-  miles,  the  work  is  light,  material 
good,  and  grades  not  as  objectionable  as  in  Chalk  Creek  Valley. 

The  alignment  is  much  better  tham  the  same  distance  u})  the 
valley  of  Chalk  Creek. 

The  summit  is  reached  with  Sj^a^-  miles  of  maximum  grade, 
where  a  tunnel  will  have  to  be  made  4,000  feet  through  soft 
sand  rock. 

The  altitude  of  this  summit  is  0,871^  feet  above  the  sea.  The 
average  ascent  per  mile  from  the  mouth  of  the  canon  to  the 
foot  of  tlie  maximum  grade,  near  Cache  Cave,  21  ^''y",;^  miles,  is 
44-n-O .  feet 

From  the  summit,  the  line  was  run  down  the  valley  of  a  small 
tributaiy  of  Bear  lliver,  to  the  same ;  thence  up  Bear  River 
Valle_y  and  the  valley  of  Sulphur  Creek  to  its  connection  with 
the  Clialk  Creek  line,  2i-^^J'^y  uiiles  or  40-,-,|'',y  miles  from  the  mouth 
of  Echo  cauon.  The  -work  on  this  last  i>art  of  the  line  will  be 
light.     1  lock  for  masonry  convenient,  and  the  alignment  good. 

By  referring  to  the  map  and  protile  the  relative  merits  of 
these  two  lines  will  be  apparent. 

The  altitude  of  the  summit  on  Echo  Canon  line  is  055  feet 
below  the  summit  on  Ciinlk  C»"eek  line. 

The  total  ascending  and  descending  grades,  1,020  feet  in  favor 
of  Echo  line.  Tiie  alignment,  ex(;avation,  and  embankment  is 
also  largely  in  favor  of  this  line. 

Coal  was  seen  on  the  Echo  lime  in  Bear  liiver  Valley,  which 
it  is  believed  will  prove  good  for  locomotive  fuel. 


ii' 


I^T 


ii 


MR.   BEKd's   report.  % 

Tlie  advantages  of  the  Cluilk  Creek  line  are  its  proximity  to 
large  bodies  of  timber  ;  its  coiiveiiiencc  to  coal  inines  tliat  are 
being  worked  in  Chalk  Creek  Valley,  and  the  difieronoc  in  the 
length  of  the  tunnels  at  the  summit,  which  Is  1,300  Icet  in  favor 
of  Chalk  Creek  line. 

KAST  BRANCH  OF  SULPHUR   CREEK   TO   GREEN   RIVER, 

From  this  place  to  the  snmmit,  between  the  water:^  of  the 
Great  Salt  Lake  Basin  and  the  Gulf  of  California,  tlie  line  fol- 
lows up  a,  small  tributary  of  Sulphur  Creek  two  miles  ;  thence 
over  a  low  divide  into  the  Valley  of  Quakingasp  Creek — an 
atttuent  of  Bear  River, — and  up  that  to  its  source  on  tlie  divide, 
12-J:.87  miles  from  Great  Salt  Lake  City. 

From  the  summit  we  reach  the  Valley  of  the  l\Inddy,  an 
atliuent  of  Black's  Fork,  in  7yYo  "^i'es  ;  2y\  miles  of  this  is  max- 
imum grade.  The  altitude  of  the  summit  is  7,570  feet  above 
tide. 

The  line  v>'as  run  down  the  Valley  of  the  Muddy  nearly  to  its 
junction  with  Black's  Fork  ;  thence  21  miles  down  the  Valley  of 
Black's  Fork  ;  thence  over  the  divide,  between  Black's  Fork  and 
Green  IMver,  to  that  stream,  which  is  20()-j''(/'_  miles  from  Great 
Salt  Lake  City.  From  the  rim  of  the  Great  Salt  Lake  Ba^in  to 
Green  River  the  work  is  generally  light,  and  the  material  good. 
Very  little  rock  excavation  will  be  encountered  on  this  portion 
of  the  line. 

Lnmediately  after  crossing  the  summit  there  is  a  marked 
change  in  the  topography  of  the  country.  Instead  of  the  dis- 
turbed and  upheaved  rocks  which  characterize  the  region  of 
the  Great  Salt  Lake  Basin  ;  flat  tables  or  terraces  of  horizontal 
strata  now  form  tlie  distinguishing  feature  of  tho  country ; 
sometimes  standing  alone,  like  islands,  In  the  barren  plains,  or 
forming  bold  escarpments  along  the  streams.  The  hills  are  fast 
wearing  away  under  the  influences  of  wind  and  rain. 

In  (Jrecn  Kiver  Valley  I  made  thorough  exploration  to  the 
mouth  of  Bitter  Creek,  a  distance  of  twenty  miles.  The  valley 
is  narrow,  with  bold  escarjjments  on  both  sides  of  the  river, 
rising  in  many  places  hundreds  of  feet,  almost  vertical  frt)m  tho 
water's  edge. 


I': 

I 


MK.  KEED  8   EEPORT. 


1; 
f 


To  follow  down  tlio  valley  of  Green  River  to  Bitter  Creek 
will  require  sixteen  bridges  over  the  river  ;  otherwise  the  work 
would  be  light. 

This  involved  an  exjjense  which  I  was  anxious  to  avoid,  if 
possible. 

The  only  way  that  seemed  practicable,  was  to  cross  the  high 
tableland  between  Green  Eiver  and  the  north  branch  of  Bit 
ter  Creek. 

I  traversed  this  country,  hut  not  as  thorongljly  as  I  wanted  to 
do,  an  account  of  the  hostility  of  the  Indians,  who  were  com- 
mitting depredations  on  the  whites  in  that  vicinity  while  we 
were  there.  I  recommend  that  a  more  thorough  exploration  he 
made  from  Green  Itiver  to  Bitter  Creek  before  a  final  location 
is  made. 

From  Green  River  to  the  north  branch  of  Bitter  Creek  the 
grading  will  be  expensive.  Some  rock  excavation  will  he  en- 
countered, as  shown  on  the  profile. 

This  is  over  a  ('csert  country.  No  fresh  water  was  found, 
and  but  ver}'  little  grass  for  our  animals. 

From  the  place  where  we  descend  to  the  valley  of  the  North 
Branch  of  Bitter  Creek  to  Rock  Sjirings,  the  point  of  connec- 
tion with  Mr.  Evans'  line,  the  grading  and  bridging  is  light. 

It  will  be  seen  by  an  examination  of  the  protlle  that  to  follow 
this  line  over  the  high  table  land  the  altitude  to  be  overcome  is 
very  much  increased.  _    <■- 

From  Great  Salt  Lake  City,  ^•/a,  F^cho  Canon  line,  to  our  con- 
nection with  Mr.  Evans'  line  in  Bitter  Creek  Yalley  is  233^" 
miles.     The  altitude  at  that  point  is  (!,315  feet  above  the  sea. 

It  will  be  observed  that  the  profile  shows  a  great  prejionder- 
ance  of  light  work;  there  is  a  portion  that  is  very  heavy,  but  I 
think  the  work  will  compare  favorably  with  the  Baltimore  and 
Ohio  or  Pennsylvania  Central  Railroads. 


C    T 
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> 


,. 


TIMPANOGOS   VALLEY   LINE. 


This  second  line  through  the  "Wahsatch  Mountains  was  com- 
menced at  a  point  in  the  Weber  Valley  line,  near  the  mouth  of 
Chalk  Creek,  and  continued  up  the  valley  of  Weber  River,  to 
and  across  Kamas  Prairie,  26^Yo  "liles,  to  the  Timpanogos  Val- 


'  ■► 


W^T 


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MB.   BEED  8   BEI'OKT. 


I 


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ley.  The  work  ovor  this  portion  of  the  lino  will  bo  very  light, 
grades  easy,  and  alignment  good.  Stone,  for  all  the  bridge  struc- 
tures required,  convenient  and  abundant. 

In  order  to  conform  as  near  as  practicable  to  instructions,  I 
made  an  extended  reconnoissance  of  the  valley  of  Weber  River 
to  its  source,  to  sati'fy  myself  beyond  a  doubt  about  tlie  practi- 
cability of  a  line  crossing  tlio  divide  between  "Weber  and  Bear 
Rivers  south  of  Chalk  Creek. 

My  route  was  up  the  narrow  valley  of  Weber  River,  in  a 
northeasterly  direction,  20  miles  from  Kamas  Prairie,  where  the 
river  is  doubled  back  upon  itself,  and  heads  five  miles  east  of 


Kamas  Prairie.     The  hiffh  mountain 


range 


which  forms  the 


divide,  is  from  1,800  feet  in  the  lowest  pass,  to  4,000  feet  above 
Weber  River.  The  summit  appears  to  be  not  more  than  two 
miles  from  the  river  and  is  like  a  continuous  solid  wall.  The 
water-shed  to  the  river  is  narrow  and  steep.  The  altitude  of 
the  lowest  point  on  this  divide  is  9,162  feet  above  tide.  I  crossed 
over  the  divide  to  the  west  branch  of  Bear  River,  and  fol- 
lowed up  that  stream  in  a  southwesterly  direction,  fifteen  miles, 
to  its  source.  From  a  high  point,  the  sides  of  which  were 
covered  with  snow,  I  could  trace  the  valleys  of  the  various 
rivers  that  take  their  rise  in  the  Uinta  Mountains.  On  my  le- 
turn,  I  followed  the  crest  of  this  divide  a  distance  of  twenty 
miles,  to  the  place  where  I  ci-osscd  it  on  my  outward  trij). 

I  am  satisfied  there  is  no  possibility  of  getting  aline  over  this 
divide  without  a  tunnel  at  least  three  miles  long,  and  at  a  much 
greater  altitude  than  on  the  Chalk  Creek  line. 

In  the  mountains  I  saw  an  abundance  of  white  and  Norway 
pine  timber,  suitable  for  railroad  purposes.  That  growing  on 
the  Bear  River  slope  is  of  easy  access,  and  can  be  rafted  down 
the  river  to  the  line. 

On  my  return,  we  continued  the  line  down  the  valley  of  Tim- 
panogos  River  to  the  valley  of  Utah  Lake. 

Heavy  work  and  2^^,^  miles  of  maximum  grade  is  encountered 
to  get  from  Kamas  Prairie  down  to  the  valley  of  the  river. 
From  thence,  down  the  valley  of  the  stream,  8yY^  nnles,  the 
valley  is  narrow,  and  the  grading  and  bridging  will  be  expen- 
sive. From  thence  across  Round  Prairie,  lli^o*V  niiles,  good 
grade?,  easy  curves,  and  light  work,  are  obtained. 


Ih 


10 


MB.   KEED  S  REPORT. 


From  tho  west  end  of  Round  Prairie  to  the  month  of  tl 
canon  in  Utah  Lake  Valley,  li  /g\  miles,  the  most  ditlicnlt  pa 
of  this  line  is  encountered.  The  cafion  is  narrow,  and,  nniiki 
Weher,  is  very  crooked.  The  points,  from  opposi  e  sides  of  thi 
river,  project  past  each  other,  making  frequent  crossings  of  thi 
river  necessary,  and  a  constant  snccession  of  heavy  rock  excaviv 
tions  unavoidable. 

Tiie  ]>revalling  rocks  are  granite,  lime  and  sand.  Ko  indica 
tions  of  coal  were  seen  in  this  valley.  j 

Thirty-four  bridges  will  be  required  across  the  Timpanogoi 
River. 

The  grade  from  the  month  of  the  canon,  to  the  foot  of  thi 
maximum  grade  near  Kainas  Prairie,  Sl-^'^^''^  miles,  averages  4? 
feet  per  mile. 

Frctm  the  i)oint  where  the  Timpanogos  River  enters  Utal 
Lake  Valley,  there  is  a  wide  table  land  or  terrace  extending 
from  the  mountains  to  the  lake.  We  ascended  from  the  Tint- 
panogos  Valley  to  this  terrace,  and  run  in  a  northwcsterli 
direction  throngh  the  thriving  towns  of  Battle  Creek,  America! 
Fork,  and  Lehi ;  crossed  the  Jordan  Hiver  at  the  narrowsj 
from  thence  over  the  extensive  stock  range  on  the  west  ■■  de  ol 
Jordan  to  the  point  of  the  West  Mountain,  which  is  ,' 2  milef 
west  of  Great  Salt  Lake  City.  From  thence  westerly  betweei 
the  base  of  the  West  Mountains,  and  the  Great  Salt  Lake,  t^ 
the  end  of  our  line  in  Tuilla  Valley,  106  ^^^  miles,  from  tlu 
"Weber  Valley  line,  near  the  mouth  of  Chalk  Ci'cck.  ■ 

An  examination  of  the  profile  will  show  the  work  in  Utal 
Lake  Valley,  and  the  valley  of  Great  Salt  Lake^  with  the  exce[i 
tion  of  crossing  the  Jordan  River,  to  be  light 
alignment  are  unobjectionable. 


% 


The  grades  an(  j 


!«.• 


EXPLORATIONS. 

During  the  summer,  and  after  tlio  above  surveys  were  comi 
pleted,  I  made  extensive  explorations  of  the  Wuhsatch,  Uint< 
and  Bear  River  Mountains. 

The  Wahsatch  range  was  crossed  at  every  place  where  thert 
seemed  to  be  a  possibility  of  finding  a  line  through  the  moun! 
tains  between  Timpanogos  and  Weber  Rivers.  }| 


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MR.   BEED  S   BEFORT. 


11 


Between  Weber  and  Bear  Rivers  I  traversed  the  summit  of 
the  mountains  from  the  liead  waters  of  tlie  Timpanogos  lliver, 
in  the  Uintas,  north  to  the  source  of  Lost  Creek  (known  on 
Stanl  ary's  map  as  Pumbar  Creek.)  Echo  Cafiou  Line  crosses 
this  divide  in  the  lowest  phice  on  the  range. 

Between  Bear  River  and  Muddy,  1  f((llowed  the  riiiv  of  the 
Great  Salt  Lake  Basin,  from  the  head  of  Sulphur  Creek,  in  the 
Uinta  Mountains,  to  the  head  waters  of  Ham's  Fork,  crossing 
with  my  line  at  tiie  lowest  place  on  this  summit,  which  divides 
the  waters  of  Great  Salt  Lake  Basin  from  those  of  the  Gulf  of 
California. 

From  these  explorations  I  am  satisfied  that  1  have  shown  the 
best  line  that  can  be  found  through  the  Wahsatch  range,  north 
ot  the  Uintas,  unless  a  line  should  be  run  down  the  valley  of 
Bear  River.  This,  if  practicable,  will  increase  the  distance  to 
Salt  Lake  Valley  about  80  miles. 

You  will  observe  that  I  have  confined  myself  to  the  maximum 
grade.  When  1  could  not  overcome  the  various  dilhcult  sum- 
mits that  I  encountered,  I  abandoned  the  survey  and  sought  a 
new  line. 


'     TTMBEB   AND   FUEL.  i 

Tliis  is  an  important  subject,  and  it  was  with  great  interest 
that  I  observed  the  various  places  from  which  a  partial  supply 
oftind)ercan  be  obtained.  Before  exploring  the  Uinta  Moim- 
tains,  I  looked  upon  the  scarcity  of  timber  as  the  most  serious 
obstacle  to  be  overcome  in  building  the  road  through  the 
mountains. 

On  the  head  waters  of  Bear  River,  contiguous  to  the  various 
tributaries  of  that  stream,  there  are  largo  tracts  of  white  and 
Norway  pine,  suitable  for  railroad  purposes,  that  can  be  rafted 
down  Bear  River  to  the  line. 

I  was  informed  by  Mr.  Granger,  who  lives  on  Ham's  Fork, 
that  there  is  a  large  tract  of  pine  timber  on  Green  River,  40 
miles  north  of  the  crossing  of  that  stream.  If  this  information 
is  correct,  of  which  I  have  no  doubt,  cross-ties  can  be  obtained 
from  there,  and  rafted  down  Green  R"ver  to  the  line,  to  build 
the  road  between  Green  and  Bear  Rivers. 


z; 


12 


MB.   BEED  S   BEPOBT. 


In  tlie  Walisatcli  Mountains  a  limited  number  of  cross-ties 
and  some  bridge  timber  can  be  obtained. 

Coal  is  abundant  on  Bitter  Creek,  Ham's  Fork,  Sulphur 
Creek,  Chalk  Creek,  Weber  and  Bear  Rivers. 

Indications  of  coal  were  seen  on  the  Muddy,  Yellow  Creek, 
and  in  Echo  Cafion. 

There  are  Petroleum  springs  in  the  valley  of  Sulphur  Creek, 
and  in  Pioneer  Cafion,  about  three  miles  north  of  the  place 
where  the  line  crosses  the  divide  between  Bear  River  and 
Muddy. 

We  closed  our  work  and  started  for  Omaha  on  the  28th  day 
of  October.  Wo  encountered  severe  storms  in  the  mountains 
and  on  the  plains,  which  prevented  our  reaching  Omalia  until 
the  18th  day  of  November. 

In  conclusion,  I  wish  to  acknowledge  my  obligation  to  Gov- 
ernor Brigham  Young  for  the  courteous  and  gentlemanly  treat- 
ment I  received  from  him.  To  his  cheerful  and  prompt  compli- 
ance with  all  my  requisitions  for  men,  means  of  transportation, 
and  subsistence,  the  company  are  in  a  great  measure  indebted 
for  my  success. 

To  Mr.  Granger,  for  supplies  loaned  us,  and  for  liis  valuable 
assistance  in  exploring  the  country  in  the  vicinity  of  Black's 
Fork  and  Green  River  without  charge. 

To  Mr.  A.  J.  Mathewson,  F.  J.  Paris,  J.  F.  Smith,  assistants, 
anh  all  other  members  of  the  party  I  am  obliged  for  valuable 
assistance  rendered  during  the  survey. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

SAMUEL  B.  REED, 

Division  Engineer. 
To  T.  C.  DuBANT,  Esq., 

Vice-Prea't  U.  P.  R.  E.  Co., 

No.  13  William  St.,  Now  York. 


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S.B.fiEEO  DIV.   ENG 

(    (  SECTION^ WEBER    CASC 

Station  990  ro  1150 


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Table  of  Altitudes. 

Foet  above 
the  8«a. 

The  end  of  the  Hue  in  Great  Salt  Lake  City 4285.8 

"    mouth  of  Weber  CaHon 4054.7 

'*    Dcvirs  Gate,  in  Weber  Canon 4894.0 

"    Weber  Valley,  at  the  month  of  Echo  Catton 5535.0 

"        "  "  "  Chalk  Creek 5645.0 

"    summit  at  the  head  of  Chalk  Creek 7834.0 

"    summit  at  the  head  of  Echo  Canon 6879.4 

"    surface  of  water  in  Bear  River,  on  Chalk  Creek  line.  7503.0 
.    "        "  "  "  Echo  Canon  line. 7045.0 

"    summit  between  Bear  River  and  Muddy,  the  rim  of 

Great  Salt  Lake  Basin 7567.0 

In  the  valley  of  Muddy,  near  the  Overland  Stage  Station. 7067.0 
The  surface  of  water  in  Black's  Fork,  two  miles  below  the 

mouth  of  Muddy 6375.0 

"    surface  of  water  in  Black's  Fork,  twenty  miles  below 

the  above 6557.0 

"    summit  between  Black's  Fork  and  Green  River. , . .  6464.0 

"    surface  of  water  in  Green  River 6245.0 

"    summit  between  Green  River  and  north  Branch  of 

Bitter  Creek 7175.0 

*'    Bitter  Creek  "Valley,  at  the  junction  of  Mr.  Evan's 

line 6315.0 

T1MPANCG08   LINE. 

The  end  of  the  line  in  Tuilla  Valley 4243.0 

At  the  point  of  the  West  Mountain 4267.0 

The  surface  of  water  in  the  Jordan  River,  at  the  Narrows.  4  522.0 
In  the  Timpanogos  Valley,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Canon.  .4892.0 

In  the  Timpanogos  Valley,  at  Kamas  Prairie 6391.0 

On  Kamas  Prairie 6667.0 

The  surface  of  water  in  Weber  River,  at  the  north  end  of 

Kamas  Prairie 6340.0 

The  mouth  of  Chalk  Creek,  in  Weber  Valley 5U45.0 

The  principal  bridges  on  the  line,  from  Great  Salt  Lake  City 
to  Bitter  Creek,  via  Echo  Caflon  line,  are— 


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HB.   BSBD  S  REPORT. 


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Lineal  feet. 
IC  Trnss  bridges  over  Weber  River,  of  260  feet  eacb 4,000 

5  "           "       small  stream  in  Weber  Valley  of  100  ft. 
each 500 

30  Bridges  over  Echo  Creek,  40  feet  each 1,200 

6  "        "     Yellow  Creek  and  branches,  40  ft.  each . »  240 

Truss  bridge  over  Bear  River <  00 

30  Bridges  over  Muddy 60  ft.  each.  .1,800 

3  Truss  bridges  over  Black's  Fork 300    " 900 

1      "  "        "      Green  River 800 

10  Bridges  between  Green  River  and  Bitter  Creek 400 


10,400 


TIMPANOOOS   LIXE. 

Lineal  feet. 

1  Truss  bridge  over  Jordan  River 300 

1      "         "        "      \iDericanFork 160 

1  Bridge  over  Battle  Creek 50 

34  Truss  bridges  over  Timpanogos,  300  feet  each 10,200 

3      "        "  ''     Weber  River,  250  feet  each 750 

3  Bridges  over  Beaver  Creek,  40  feet  each 120 


11,570 


In  addition  to  the  above,  there  will  be  numerous  irrigating 
ditches  and  small  streams  to  cross. 


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MR.    EEED  8   RErORT. 


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